NCB Launches Major Operation Against International Drug Trafficking Network

Significant Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

New Delhi. In a bid to achieve a 'Drug-Free India' by December 31, 2029, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched 'Operation Trident' targeting a major international drug trafficking syndicate operating in Northeast India.

Collaborating with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the police forces of Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam, the NCB conducted extensive raids across 38 locations in these three states. This operation, which commenced on October 23, has successfully dismantled a trafficking network spanning India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, revealing approximately ₹100 crores in hawala transactions.

During this extensive operation, authorities froze 1,424 bank accounts linked to the trafficking network and attached illegal assets worth ₹17.82 crores. Additionally, 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash were seized, leading to the arrest of 18 individuals associated with the network.

Investigations revealed that dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and heroin were being smuggled from Myanmar into India via routes in Mizoram's Aizawl, Champhai, and Johrat, as well as through Churachandpur in Manipur and Cachar district in Assam. This entire route is being referred to as the 'Death Triangle Corridor,' which was also utilized for financial transactions through hawala and shell companies.

The investigation has identified the main kingpin, Thangchintuang alias Chintuang, based in Myanmar, who has been wanted in several NDPS cases for a long time. The strategy for this operation was developed based on information obtained following the arrests of Abu Saleh from Assam and the primary hawala operator Lalrampari.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the NCB and the collaborating police teams for their successful operation via the social media platform 'X.' He reiterated the government's commitment to a 'zero tolerance' policy against drugs and vowed to eradicate drug syndicates from the country.