NEW DELHI: Accelerating the Modi government’s mission to build a drug-free Bharat, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore and arrested four members of an international drug cartel in coordinated operations across Imphal and Guwahati zones.
‘No Mercy for Drug Cartels’ Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah lauded the NCB team for this breakthrough, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward drug networks.
“Accelerating the Modi government’s march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore is seized, and four members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones. The drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation. Our hunt for drugs continues.” Shah stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Operation Details
Imphal Operation: On March 13, 2025, NCB officers from the Imphal Zone intercepted a truck near the Lilong area following actionable intelligence. A thorough search revealed 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed in the toolbox/cabin at the rear section of the vehicle. Two occupants of the truck were apprehended on the spot.
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Following the seizure, a swift follow-up operation led to the arrest of the suspected receiver of the contraband from the Lilong area. The NCB also recovered a four-wheeler used for trafficking. The suspected source of the drugs was identified as Moreh, a border town in Manipur. Further investigation is underway to track down additional members of the syndicate.
Guwahati Operation: On the same day, NCB officers from the Guwahati Zone intercepted an SUV near the Assam-Mizoram border in Silchar. Upon inspection, 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets were discovered concealed inside the spare tire of the vehicle. The vehicle’s occupant was taken into custody, and the suspected destination of the consignment was Karimganj in Assam. Authorities continue their investigation to trace other members of the cartel.
Mizoram Seizure: In another development, the NCB is taking over an investigation from the Mizoram State Excise Department, which had seized 46 kg of crystal meth on March 6 in Brigade Bawngkawn, Aizawl. Four individuals connected to the cartel have been arrested, and NCB is now probing the syndicate’s international and inter-state linkages.
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Rising Drug Threat in the Northeast
The northeastern region has increasingly become a hotspot for drug trafficking due to its geographical proximity to international smuggling routes. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) augmented NCB’s strength in 2023 to intensify efforts against drug traffickers, particularly those dealing in synthetic drugs like methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as YABA.
These operations reflect the NCB’s rigorous crackdown on narcotics networks and its commitment to protecting India’s youth from the menace of synthetic drugs. The agency remains steadfast in dismantling such networks that pose a significant threat to the nation’s security and social stability.
