DRI seizes 50 kg of methamphetamine from network linked to Myanmar

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dealt a major blow to a drug trafficking network linked to Myanmar. During two successive intelligence-based operations carried out in the northeastern states of Mizoram and Assam, the DRI has seized a total of 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. This seizure includes 30 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets (Yaba) and 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. During this operation, four individuals have been arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985, and three vehicles used for the transport of narcotics have also been seized.

According to a PIB Delhi report, the first operation was carried out based on specific information regarding the transportation of narcotics from Zokhawthar towards Aizawl and Silchar. On October 29, 2026, a Mahindra Bolero Camper was intercepted on the Aizawl-Chhingchhip road on the outskirts of Aizawl with the operational support of the Assam Rifles. When a thorough search of this vehicle was conducted, 30 packets hidden in a specially crafted cavity with a storage cabinet inside an office table were found. These packets were brick-shaped and filled with 30 kilograms of pink-orange methamphetamine tablets. It came to light that using furniture as cover cargo is a new method to conceal narcotics, with the objective of portraying the vehicle as carrying normal household or office goods.

In the second operation, on October 30, 2026, DRI officials with the assistance of the Assam Rifles intercepted an Ashok Leyland truck and a Bolero Camper in Dholai, approximately 40 km from Silchar. During the search of this truck, 20 packets hidden above the driver's cabin were recovered, containing 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. These packets were packed in tea packets bearing foreign markings so that no one would suspect anything. Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine in the recovered substance.

Preliminary investigation findings indicate that these seized drugs were trafficked from Myanmar. This seizure comes in the backdrop of two major seizures of 232 kilograms and 56 kilograms of methamphetamine recently made by the DRI in the northeastern region. These continuous seizures underscore the scale and persistence of cross-border synthetic drug trafficking, as well as the DRI's persistent efforts to identify and dismantle the networks facilitating the movement of such drugs across the international border.

The DRI is committed to dismantling organized drug trafficking networks, curbing the proliferation of synthetic drugs, and protecting the country from the severe social and public health consequences of substance abuse.