₹55 Crore Drug Haul in Manipur: Operation White Veil Strikes Big
In a landmark joint operation named “Operation White Veil”, multiple Indian law enforcement agencies busted a major international drug smuggling ring operating along the porous Indo-Myanmar border. Conducted between 5th to 7th June 2025, the mission led to the seizure of contraband worth ₹55.52 crore in Churachandpur district, Manipur.
Agencies Involved and Operation Details
The coordinated effort included teams from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, 37 Battalion Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police. Acting on specific intelligence, the teams targeted the Behiang Village and nearby areas along the India-Myanmar border.
Key seizures included:
-
7,755.75 grams of heroin valued at ₹54.29 crore
-
6,736 grams of opium worth ₹87.57 lakh
-
Cash amounting to ₹35.63 lakh
-
Two Baofeng Walkie-Talkies
-
One Maruti Eeco Van
Five individuals have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Inside the Bust: How It Unfolded
June 6: Morning Pursuit and Search
The operation began early morning on June 6th at Behiang Village. Officials discreetly trailed two suspects in a Maruti Eeco Van, leading to a house in Thadou Veng, Singngat Sub-Division. Upon search, they recovered:
-
219 soap cases of heroin
-
8 packages and 18 tins of opium
-
Cash worth ₹7.58 lakh
-
Two walkie-talkies
One suspect was arrested on-site, while two others who fled were caught later at Bualkot Check Gate. Follow-up searches at a suspect’s home in Behiang yielded two more opium packages and ₹28.05 lakh in cash.
June 7: Interception at Zoukhonuam Village
Two more individuals carrying improvised manpacks were intercepted at Zoukhonuam Village near BP 46. Inside the manpacks were 440 soap cases of heroin—adding significantly to the already massive haul.
Porous Border, Persistent Threat
Initial investigations reveal that the narcotics were smuggled in from Myanmar through heavily forested and porous international borders, making enforcement extremely challenging. However, the successful execution of Operation White Veil shows the power of inter-agency coordination and vigilant surveillance.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Vigilance
Under the NDPS Act, 1985, those involved in such drug trafficking operations may face up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. The act ensures stringent punishment for both traffickers and those involved in distribution networks.
Authorities emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance in India’s North Eastern Region, especially in border districts like Churachandpur, which are vulnerable due to their strategic location and terrain.
Towards a Drug-Free India
This major drug bust reinforces the government’s resolve under the broader “Nasha Mukt Bharat” campaign. Through strict enforcement, community engagement, and awareness programs, the aim is to break the backbone of drug networks.