NCB seizes Rs88-cr worth of methamphetamine tablets in North East operations

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized a huge consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs88 crore and arrested four members of an international drug cartel, in operations conducted in Imphal and Guwahati zones in the North East.

Congratulating the NCB, union home minister said in an X post that the drug haul is part of the Narendra Modi government's “no mercy” approach to drug cartels, in its march towards a drug-free Bharat.

The NCB intercepted a truck with the consignment near Lilong area, on Thursday and recovered 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets from its tool box/cabin in the rear section of the truck. Two occupants of the truck were also apprehended. 

In a follow-up operation, the NCB team also apprehended the suspected recipient of the contraband from Lilong area. A four wheeler used for drug trafficking was also recovered from him. 

The contraband is suspected to be sourced from Moreh, in Manipur and investigations are on to nab other members of the gang.

In another similar operation on the same day, officers of NCB Guwahati Zone intercepted an SUV in the Assam-Mizoram border near Silchar and recovered 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside the spare tyre of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were later apprehended and arrested. The source of the contraband was again Moreh, and the drug was destined for delivery in Karimganj. Investigations are on to nab those involved in the case. 

Meanwhile, NCB has taken over investigation of a case from Mizoram Excise Department involving seizure of about 46 kg of Crystal Meth at Brigade Bawngkawn Aizawl on 6 March. NCB will investigate inter-state and international linkages of the drug trafficking network.

The North East region, which is surrounded on three sides by Myanmar, Bangladesh and China has emerged as one of the most vulnerable areas were drug traffickers can thrive.

Smuggling and sale of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine tablets not only poses a threat to the young population of the country, but also to National security as well.