Drug Smugglers' Tunnel For Trucks Busted On India-Myanmar Border; 32 Kg Meth Seized
The DRI seized 32 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 32 crore in Assam and Tripura. Smugglers built a tunnel to transport drugs into India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border
Despite stringent security measures at the border, drug smuggling continues to pose a challenge. In a recent shocking incident, smugglers resorted to constructing a tunnel to transport illegal drugs into India. The scale of the operation was evident from the fact that even a truck could pass through the tunnel.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted the operation, seizing 32 kg of methamphetamine tablets in Assam and Tripura, with an estimated street value of Rs 32 crore. Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with these cases.
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On January 19, the DRI seized 26 kg of methamphetamine tablets in the Dwarband market area of Cachar district, Assam. The consignment, smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border, was intercepted with significant assistance from the Assam Rifles (Silchar). One person was arrested in this operation.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, “The value of the seized drug in the international illegal drug market is estimated to be around Rs 26 crore. This huge quantity of illegal drugs was being transported in an Ashok Leyland truck in a specially constructed cave."
Seizures in Tripura
On January 20, the DRI intercepted a truck on the outskirts of Agartala, Tripura, and seized 6 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 6 crore. The drugs were cleverly concealed under the truck’s dashboard. Two individuals were apprehended in connection with this seizure.
Since the beginning of the current financial year, the DRI has registered 36 cases of smuggling and illegal drug trafficking in the Northeast, resulting in the arrest of 70 individuals, including seven women.
The DRI’s proactive measures have led to significant seizures, including over 231 kg of methamphetamine tablets, 16 kg of heroin, 1,375 kg of ganja (cannabis), and 3.7 kg of hydroponic weed, amounting to a total value of over Rs 355 crore.
Additionally, 32 vehicles (19 cars and 13 trucks) used in smuggling and transporting these illegal drugs have been seized. The statement highlighted a concerning trend of smuggling hydroponic weed, a type of marijuana cultivated in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, into the Northeast via air passengers.
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