DRI deals major blow to Myanmar-linked drug smuggling network; seizes huge consignment of 50 kg methamphetamine tablets and crystal meth in North-East; four arrested
In another a major intelligence-led operation, DRI uncovers innovative concealment methods involving furniture and tea packets; three vehicles seized
By PIB Delhi
In another significant crackdown on cross-border narcotics smuggling in North East, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has seized large quantity of 50 kg methamphetamine in the form of tablets (Yaba) and crystal meth, in two back-to-back Intelligence led operations in Mizoram and Assam. The seizures comprise of significantly large quantities of 30 kg methamphetamine tablets and 20 kg crystal methamphetamine. Four persons have been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of multiple consignments of narcotic drugs from Zokhawthar towards Aizawl and Silchar, the officers of DRI, with operational assistance from the Assam Rifles intercepted a Mahindra Bolero Camper on the outskirts of Aizawl along the Aizawl–Champhai Road, on 29th October 2026. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 30 brick-sized packets containing pinkish-orange tablets, weighing 30 kg, concealed in a specially constructed cavity inside an office table with a storage cabinet. The use of furniture as cover cargo to camouflage the transportation of narcotics represents a novel modus operandi, apparently intended to make the vehicle appear to be transporting ordinary household or office goods.
On 30th Oct 2026, in another intelligence led operation, the officers of DRI, assisted by the Assam Rifles, intercepted an Ashok Leyland truck and a Bolero Camper at Dholai, approximately 40 km from Silchar. A search of the truck resulted in the recovery of 20 packets crystal methamphetamine, weighing 20 kg. The packets had been concealed above the driver’s cabin and packed in tea packets bearing foreign markings, apparently to evade detection. Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine in the recovered substance.
In two operations, four persons have been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985. In addition, all three vehicles used for transporting the contraband have been seized.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the seized drugs were smuggled from Myanmar. The seizure comes in the backdrop of DRI’s recent two major seizures of 232 kg and 56 kg of methamphetamine in the North-Eastern region. Together, these successive seizures underscore the scale and persistence of cross-border synthetic drug trafficking as well as DRI’s sustained efforts to identify and dismantle the networks facilitating the movement of such drugs from across the international border into the country.
DRI remains committed to disrupting organised narcotics trafficking networks, preventing the proliferation of synthetic drugs and safeguarding the country from the serious social and public health consequences of drug abuse.
