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Aizawl: The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Mizoram’s Excise and Narcotics department, has seized highly addictive methamphetamine pills and heroin worth over Rs 4.79 crore and arrested four drug smugglers, including two Myanmar nationals, officials said.
A BSF spokesperson said that Border Security Force personnel of Mizoram and Cachar border, acting on a tip-off, identified a house in Chandmari West of Aizawl.
A thorough search of the premises was conducted in the presence of two independent civil witnesses.
Two suspected drug smugglers were found inside the house. Upon questioning, he voluntarily handed over two bags containing suspected narcotics.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the bag contained six packages (5.89 kg) of methamphetamine pills and three soap bars (41 gm) of heroin, worth more than Rs 4.79 crore.
The consignment was seized by Mizoram’s Excise and Narcotics Department and all four drug smugglers, including two Myanmar nationals, were arrested.
A BSF statement said this successful operation is a testament to the high level of coordination, real-time information sharing and seamless coordination between BSF Aizawl and the Excise and Narcotics Department, Mizoram.
The joint effort reinforces the strong commitment of both agencies to combat cross-border trafficking networks and protect youth from the menace of narcotics.
The statement said the Border Security Force remains steadfast in its resolve to work closely with all partner agencies to prevent illegal activities along the India-Myanmar border and ensure the security of the area.
The drug seizure on Saturday was the second such incident in the same areas of Mizoram within four days.
On Wednesday, the BSF and Mizoram’s Excise and Narcotics department in a joint operation seized methamphetamine pills worth over Rs 26 crore and arrested two drug smugglers, both Myanmar nationals.
A BSF spokesperson had said that Border Security Force personnel of Mizoram and Cachar border acted on specific and actionable information received regarding suspected drug smuggling between Seling and Aizawl.
The joint team stopped two suspects riding two scooters on National Highway-6 (NH-6) between Seling and Tuiriyal in Aizawl district.
During interrogation, both the suspects admitted to hiding the consignment in the bushes on the nearby roadside.
Subsequently, in the presence of two independent witnesses, a systematic search of the indicated location was conducted, resulting in the recovery of two plastic bags.
Upon inspection, one bag was found to contain 15 packages of methamphetamine tablets (Dragon brand), weighing 14.905 kg, while another bag contained 49 soap boxes of heroin, weighing 707 grams.
Meanwhile, in a major drug haul, Mizoram Police seized huge quantities of methamphetamine pills and heroin, worth a total of Rs 41.64 crore, in separate operations on November 19 and 20.
Two drug smugglers from Assam and another from Manipur have been arrested for possessing drugs smuggled from Myanmar, a police statement said.
Methamphetamine tablets, also known as yaba or party tablets, contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and are commonly known as the ‘mad drug’. These are banned in India.
Mizoram shares a 510 km and 318 km long unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh respectively. Myanmar’s Chin State is the hub of smuggling of various drugs, exotic wildlife animals and many other contraband through six districts of Mizoram – Champhai, Siaha, Langtlai, Hnathiyal, Saitual and Serchhip.
–IANS