Continuing its sustained crackdown on cross-border smuggling and narcotics trafficking along India's North-Eastern frontier, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations in Mizoram and Assam, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg Methamphetamine tablets, around 11 MT of foreign-origin poppy seeds, and 10 MT of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts. 

In a major intelligence led narcotics interdiction yesterday, officers of DRI intercepted an ambulance near Sakei Bangla, about 40 km from Aizawl on the Aizawl–Champhai Road, suspected to be transporting narcotic drugs under the guise of a medical emergency. Examination of the ambulance revealed 15 brick-shaped packets containing 15 kg pinkish-orange Methamphetamine tablets, a psychotropic substances, concealed inside a white HDPE bag placed beside a patient bed on which a dummy patient was lying. Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband had been smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar through the Champhai–Zokhawthar sector and was destined for further transportation to Assam. The recovered Methamphetamine along with ambulance used to transport have been seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The ambulance driver and two accomplices have been arrested. 

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as “Yaba”, is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Illicitly manufactured methamphetamine tablets are trafficked from Myanmar and are known to cause severe physical and psychological harm, including addiction, aggression, paranoia and long-term neurological damage. Owing to its high abuse potential, methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance is regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985, and remains a major focus area for narcotics enforcement agencies worldwide.

During the intervening night of 5th and 6th August 2026, in another intelligence-led operation, officers of DRI, assisted by Assam Rifles conducted searches at a godown in Badarpur, Karimganj district, Assam. The operation resulted in the recovery of around 11 MTs foreign-origin poppy seeds concealed inside HDPE bags bearing markings of commercial tea consignments, carton packages and loose stock scattered across the premises. Preliminary investigation indicated that the goods had been smuggled into India through the porous Indo-Myanmar border for onward distribution to various parts of the country. The poppy seeds, valued at approximately Rs.1.67 crore, has been seized under the Customs Act, 1962.

Poppy seeds are widely used as a food ingredient and spice in several cuisines; however, their import into India is subject to stringent regulatory controls. Under India's Foreign Trade Policy, poppy seeds can be imported only from designated countries and through a registration mechanism administered by the Central Bureau of Narcotics. These safeguards are intended to ensure traceability and prevent misuse of illicitly cultivated produce entering legitimate supply chains. Smuggling of unregulated foreign-origin poppy seeds not only circumvents these controls but also adversely impacts lawful trade and regulatory oversight.

Earlier, on 05.08.2026, officers of DRI intercepted a consignment from a Train No. 22411 at Rangia Railway Station and recovered 120 bags containing 10 MT of foreign-origin areca nuts from the parcel van of the train. Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment had been smuggled into India from Myanmar and was being transported to markets outside the North-East region. The seized areca nuts, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, have been seized under the Customs Act, 1962.

Areca nut, commonly known as supari, is one of the most frequently smuggled commodities across India's North-Eastern borders. Large-scale smuggling of foreign-origin areca nuts causes significant loss of government revenue and adversely affects the livelihoods of domestic growers. The illicit trade in areca nuts has emerged as a recurring enforcement concern due to its links with organised smuggling networks operating in border areas.

****

SR/KMN