Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 3 (HBTV): The Narcotics Control Bureau’s Guwahati Zonal Unit has busted an international drug trafficking network operating along the Myanmar–Manipur–Assam axis and seized 6.149 kg of heroin in an operation. The action marks a major crackdown on cross-border narcotics smuggling in the region.
According to an official release, the operation followed specific intelligence developed over an extended period. NCB teams tracked the suspected movement of an illicit consignment believed to have been transported through dense forest routes in Manipur and ferried on small motorboats along the Barak River to evade routine security checks.
On Monday, an NCB team intercepted an indigenous motorboat on the Barak River near Silchar and apprehended two persons identified as Jacob Hmar of Diger Fulertal, Lakhipur, and Melodi Hmar of Tupidar Forest, Lakhipur, both residents of Cachar district.
A thorough search of the vessel led to the recovery of 6.149 kg of high-grade heroin packed in 530 soap cases and concealed beneath bamboo layers. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth about INR 12.5 crore in the illicit market.
Initial investigation indicates that the consignment originated in Myanmar, was moved through forest corridors in Manipur and routed towards the Hmarkhawlien–Fulertal–Lakhipur belt. The NCB said traffickers are increasingly relying on vulnerable river systems to bypass police checkpoints, surveillance posts and security camps.
Officials added that the arrested individuals will be produced before the court along with the seized substance for further legal proceedings.
(ANI)