The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its efforts to curb narcotics trafficking along India’s North-Eastern frontier, recovering a total of 76 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets in two intelligence-driven operations conducted in Assam and Mizoram. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizures under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The operations highlight the continued use of concealed compartments in vehicles to transport synthetic drugs through the region, which shares sensitive international borders and has been identified as a transit route for narcotics trafficking.
56 Kg Methamphetamine Recovered in Assam
In the latest operation, conducted on August 25, 2026, DRI officers, assisted by personnel of the 38th Battalion of Assam Rifles, Silchar, intercepted a 12-wheeler truck at Lalpani, approximately 40 km from Silchar and close to the Assam-Manipur border.
The vehicle was identified from a large convoy travelling from Jiribam in Manipur. During a detailed examination, officials discovered a specially constructed concealed compartment in the driver’s cabin, positioned behind the driver’s seat.
The hidden cavity contained 36 brick-shaped packets weighing around 1 kg each and 100 smaller packets weighing approximately 200 grams each. The packets contained pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine.
Samples of the seized tablets were subjected to preliminary testing using a field detection kit. The test indicated the presence of amphetamine. The entire consignment, weighing approximately 56 kg, along with the truck, was subsequently seized under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
The occupant of the vehicle was arrested as part of the investigation into the suspected trafficking network.
20 Kg Consignment Intercepted in Mizoram
The latest seizure follows another intelligence-led operation carried out by the DRI on August 18, 2026, along the Aizawl–Champhai Road in Mizoram.
Acting on intelligence inputs, DRI officers intercepted a car at Bung Bangla, around 30 km from Aizawl. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 64 packets of varying sizes containing approximately 20 kg of pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine.
The contraband had been ingeniously concealed in specially designed deep cavities along both sides of the vehicle’s rocker panels or side sills. Additional packets were hidden in the space between the fuel tank and the floor of the car.
Field testing of samples indicated the presence of amphetamine. Preliminary investigation suggested that the consignment had entered Mizoram from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar–Champhai sector before being transported further by road.
The 20 kg consignment and the vehicle used for transportation were seized under the NDPS Act. The driver of the car was also arrested.
Crackdown on Cross-Border Narcotics Trafficking
The two operations demonstrate the role of intelligence-based enforcement in detecting sophisticated methods used by drug traffickers to move contraband through the North-Eastern region. The use of fabricated cavities and modified vehicle structures indicates attempts by trafficking networks to evade routine checks and conceal large quantities of narcotics.
The combined seizure of 76 kg of suspected methamphetamine represents a significant disruption to illicit drug transportation routes in the region. Further investigation is expected to establish the source of the consignments, their intended destinations and the wider network involved in their movement.
Methamphetamine Carries Severe Health and Legal Risks
Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic psychostimulant associated with a high risk of abuse and dependence. Illicit consumption can have serious effects on both physical and mental health, including cardiovascular complications, severe agitation, paranoia and psychosis. Long-term abuse may also result in neurological and behavioural impairment and severe dependence.
Under Indian law, methamphetamine is classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985. Consequently, its unlawful manufacture, possession, transportation and trafficking can attract stringent criminal penalties.
The DRI’s latest actions underscore the continued focus of enforcement agencies on disrupting the supply chains used to bring synthetic narcotics into and through India’s North-Eastern states.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
