The National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted a cross-border smuggling network of arms, ammunition and explosives and arrested a key accused from Mizoram, an official said on Saturday.

Lalngaihawma, a resident of Mizoram’s Mamit district, was in Aizwal after reports of a well-organized and large-scale illegal operation operating in some states in the country’s northeast, a federal spokesman said. He was arrested following an operation involving an arms and ammunition supply network. agency said.

The official said the arrest was the result of an investigation into a case registered by the NIA on December 26 last year under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act and Arms Act part.

The defendants, along with others, trafficked arms, ammunition and explosive materials not only within the Northeastern states but also across borders.

The spokesman said he collaborated with various operatives, including rebel groups located on international borders.

The official said they had distributed such terror hardware to various individuals domestically and abroad as part of their conspiracy.

The illegal weapons and explosives are suspected to be used in violent terrorist activities and criminal activities in different areas, the spokesperson said, adding that further investigations were underway to identify the entire network.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)