In a major victory against drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore and arrested four members of an international drug cartel operating in the Imphal and Guwahati zones. This successful operation is seen as a significant step forward in the Modi government’s mission to create a drug-free Bharat.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, praised the NCB team for their relentless efforts and described the drug haul as a testament to the “bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom” investigative approach that has proven effective in dismantling drug networks. In his social media post, he emphasized that there would be “no mercy for drug cartels” and assured that the fight against drug trafficking would continue with unwavering determination.
The operation unfolded on March 13, 2025, when NCB officers from the Imphal Zone intercepted a truck near the Lilong area. Upon thorough inspection, 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets were discovered hidden in the toolbox and cabin at the rear section of the vehicle. Two occupants of the truck were apprehended on the spot. In a swift follow-up operation, the NCB team arrested the suspected receiver of the contraband from the Lilong area and seized a four-wheeler used for drug trafficking. The source of the drugs is suspected to be Moreh, a town near the India-Myanmar border, known for being a hotspot for illegal drug trafficking.
On the same day, in a separate operation, NCB officers from the Guwahati Zone intercepted an SUV near the Assam-Mizoram border in Silchar. A thorough inspection revealed 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside the spare tire of the vehicle. The occupant of the SUV was arrested, and initial investigations suggested that the drugs originated from Moreh and were intended for delivery in Karimganj, Assam.
In another significant development, NCB has taken over the investigation of a case from the Mizoram State Excise Department, where approximately 46 kg of crystal meth was seized in Aizawl on March 6. Four individuals involved in the drug syndicate were arrested. NCB’s involvement in the case is expected to uncover international and inter-state connections within the drug trafficking network.
The North Eastern Region of India has long been vulnerable to drug trafficking due to its proximity to the infamous Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region. Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) strengthened NCB’s presence in the region in 2023, enhancing its ability to combat drug syndicates. With five zonal units and a regional headquarters in the Northeast, NCB has been actively targeting synthetic drug traffickers, especially those involved in the smuggling of methamphetamine tablets, known as YABA. These drugs not only pose a threat to the youth but also to national security.
The recent seizures highlight the success of NCB’s strategic approach and the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the drug menace. As investigations continue, authorities remain determined to dismantle the international networks that fuel the illegal drug trade and protect the nation’s future from the devastating impact of drug abuse.
