Major Drug Network Crackdown in Northeast India: Operation Trident
Significant Drug Operation Launched
File picture of two Myanmar nationals with seized drugs in the Northeast. (Photo: IANS) (Picture used for representational purpose only)
Guwahati, Oct 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah's initiative to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country by December 31, 2029, has gained momentum following a comprehensive operation in Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram that revealed a significant narcotics-hawala connection.
In a recent social media update, Shah announced that Operation Trident, which commenced on October 23, was executed simultaneously at 38 sites in the three states, uncovering hawala transactions amounting to Rs 100 crore associated with an international drug cartel.
“This network was involved in trafficking narcotics across the borders of India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh via the Death Triangle Corridor. This operation demonstrates India’s unwavering commitment to eliminate all drug networks by the end of 2029. We will continue our efforts until the last remnants of these cartels are eradicated,” he stated.
The operation led to the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts, the attachment of assets valued at Rs 17.82 crore, the confiscation of 500 detonators, and Rs 12 lakh in cash, along with the arrest of 18 individuals.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the anti-narcotics teams from central agencies and the police forces of the three states,” Shah remarked, highlighting this action as part of a broader initiative against international drug trafficking.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma characterized the operation as a significant setback for the international drug cartel, emphasizing the commitment of both the central and state governments in the Northeast to combat this issue.
“Operation Trident has revealed a substantial drugs and hawala network operating in the region,” Sarma noted in a social media post.
This is a huge blow to the international drugs cartel! Op Trident, carried out across Assam, Manipur and Mizoram has unearthed a huge drugs and hawala nexus being carried out in the region. The Union Govt and our State Govts in the North East are firm on tackling this menace and realising the goal of a #NashaMuktBharat and such relentless pursuit will continue against the mafias till we make drugs a history by 2029.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 25, 2026
He expressed optimism that ongoing enforcement efforts would further the aim of a drug-free India, asserting that the crackdown on drug mafias would persist until drugs are relegated to history by 2029.
This operation comes at a time of increasing alarm regarding the Northeast's susceptibility to cross-border drug trafficking, especially through routes linked to Myanmar.
On October 13, during a conference of home ministers from BIMSTEC nations, Shah criticized the term “Golden Triangle” used to describe the drug-producing area that includes Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, stating that there is nothing golden about it.
The Narcotics Control Bureau's 2025 annual report identified the Golden Triangle as the main source of methamphetamine entering India through the Northeast, with Mizoram accounting for nearly 42% of all amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) seizures, followed by Manipur and Delhi.
With inputs from agencies