In a major anti-narcotics operation, Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized nearly one lakh Yaba (methamphetamine) tablets worth Rs 8 crore in Khowai district of Tripura. Security personnel also arrested one suspected trafficker during the joint operation conducted on intelligence inputs.
Quick Glance
- Assam Rifles and DRI seized methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 8 crore in Tripura
- The operation took place in Mungiakami area under Khowai district
- One accused, identified as Kauchar Hussain of Gomati district, was arrested
- Officials suspect the narcotics entered Tripura through Mizoram from Myanmar
Assam Rifles and DRI Crack Major Drug Smuggling Network
Agartala: Security agencies achieved a significant breakthrough against narcotics trafficking in Northeast India after recovering a huge consignment of methamphetamine tablets in Tripura.
The joint operation involved the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Officials said the operation was launched following specific intelligence regarding the movement of illegal drugs through Tripura.
The raid took place in the Mungiakami area under Khowai district. Security personnel intercepted a Mahindra pick-up vehicle suspected of carrying narcotics. During the search operation, officials recovered approximately one lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba tablets.
Authorities estimated the international market value of the seized narcotics at nearly Rs 8 crore.
One Suspect Arrested During Operation
During the operation, officials detained a suspected drug trafficker identified as Kauchar Hussain, 28. He is a resident of Jatan Bari in Gomati district.
Investigators believe the accused played a role in transporting the narcotics consignment across interstate routes. Officials later handed over both the accused and the recovered drugs to the DRI for detailed investigation and legal proceedings.
Security agencies stated that the operation reflects the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks operating in the Northeast region.
Northeast Emerging as Major Drug Transit Corridor
Investigators suspect the seized methamphetamine tablets originated in neighbouring Myanmar. Preliminary findings indicate that smugglers transported the narcotics through Mizoram and parts of southern Assam before routing the consignment into Tripura.
Officials further believe the traffickers planned to move the drugs into neighbouring Bangladesh through cross-border smuggling channels.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly raised concerns over the increasing use of Northeast India as a transit route for international narcotics trafficking. Porous international borders, hilly terrain, and dense forest areas continue to create challenges for surveillance and border management.
Border Vulnerabilities Fuel Smuggling Activities
Officials highlighted that Mizoram remains highly vulnerable to smuggling because of its 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous border with Bangladesh. Difficult geographical conditions often make monitoring activities challenging for security agencies.
Similarly, Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh. Large stretches of the border remain sensitive due to frequent illegal movement and cross-border smuggling attempts.
Investigators said narcotics consignments often move through several districts of Mizoram, including Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.
What are Yaba Tablets?
Yaba tablets are highly addictive synthetic drugs made from a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine. Drug traffickers often market these tablets as “party drugs” because of their stimulant effects.
Security officials described the tablets as dangerous substances that can severely impact mental and physical health. Indian narcotics laws strictly prohibit their production, possession, and trafficking.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing to identify other members linked to the trafficking network and trace the intended destination of the seized consignment.
Seizure Details at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Seized Substance | Methamphetamine (Yaba) Tablets |
| Quantity | Nearly 1 lakh tablets |
| Estimated Value | Rs 8 crore |
| Operation Area | Mungiakami, Khowai district |
| Arrested Accused | Kauchar Hussain (28) |
| Agencies Involved | Assam Rifles and DRI |
| Suspected Origin | Myanmar |
| Suspected Transit Route | Mizoram – Assam – Tripura |
People Also Ask
What are Yaba tablets?
Yaba tablets are methamphetamine-based stimulant drugs mixed with caffeine. They are highly addictive and banned in India.
Where was the drug consignment seized in Tripura?
The narcotics were seized from the Mungiakami area in Tripura’s Khowai district during a joint operation by Assam Rifles and DRI.
Why is Northeast India vulnerable to drug smuggling?
The region shares long porous international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Difficult terrain and unfenced stretches make surveillance challenging.