Heroin, methamphetamine worth Rs. 23.5 crore seized in 2 operations in North-East; 4 drug traffickers arrested

In a continued effort to curb drug trafficking in the Northeast, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in collaboration with the 19 Battalion Assam Rifles, carried out a successful operation in Manipur’s Noney district. Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted a truck traveling along National Highway 37 on May 21, 2025.

Upon inspection, the team discovered a specially designed cavity built into the vehicle's chassis. From this hidden compartment, they recovered 569 grams of heroin and 1,039 grams of methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as "party drugs."

Authorities suspect the contraband was being transported as part of an interstate trafficking network. The seizure marks another significant blow to the narcotics supply chain in the region. Further investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended destination of the drugs, and to identify those involved in the smuggling operation.

In another operation, the DRI, with the assistance of Assam Rifles FIU Unit Silchar, intercepted a truck at Aloicherra, Hailakandi District, Assam, on 22.05.2025 and seized 2,640.53 grams of heroin. The packets containing the drug were deeply concealed in a specially built/fabricated cavity on the truck's bed-load floor.

The recovered contraband drugs, worth around Rs. 23.5 crore in the international grey drug market, have been seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, and four persons have been arrested.

Since January of this year, DRI has seized contraband like ganja, methamphetamine tablets and heroin worth Rs. 173 crore and arrested 26 persons in the North Eastern Region.