Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has emphasized the Modi government’s firm stance against drug cartels. In a recent post on X, he highlighted the government’s commitment to a drug-free India, noting significant operations that targeted drug networks, particularly in Assam. Recent successes include the seizure of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 24.32 crore, along with the arrest of three individuals linked to the trafficking. He commended the efforts of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Assam Police, and CRPF for this achievement.
Details of the operations reveal that the NCB conducted two intelligence-driven operations on April 6, 2025, aimed at dismantling an inter-state synthetic drug network in Assam. The seized methamphetamine, commonly known as YABA, was intercepted during an operation developed over three months. Authorities stopped a vehicle in Silchar, recovering ten packets containing 9.9 kg of the contraband concealed within the car. The car’s occupant, hailing from Churachandpur in Manipur, was apprehended on-site. Further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain of the drug network.
Amit Shah reiterated the government’s relentless commitment to combating drug trafficking and affirmed that efforts against these illegal activities will persist with unwavering determination. He underscored the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve a drug-free nation, illustrating the government’s proactive approach to tackling the drug menace through robust law enforcement actions. This successful operation highlights the collaboration among various law enforcement agencies and their dedication to securing a safe environment free from the influence of drugs.
Later that night, in an intelligence-led operation, NCB Guwahati, along with Assam Police and the CRPF, intercepted a Mahindra Thar vehicle. Authorities recovered 20.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed within 21 packets in the vehicle’s spare tire. The two occupants, both from Churachandpur, were taken into custody as investigations commenced to explore both backward and forward linkages related to the case.
Previously, on March 13, 2025, NCB had seized approximately 110 kg of methamphetamine across two operations. During one operation in Silchar, Assam, 7.5 kg was confiscated, leading to the arrest of one individual from Moreh, Manipur. In the second operation, 102.5 kg was seized in Lilong, near Imphal, Manipur, resulting in the arrest of three accused and the seizure of three vehicles. Ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate involved in these cases.
To combat drug trafficking in the region, NCB has established four newly created Zonal Units in Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala, and Imphal, in addition to a Regional Headquarters in Guwahati. A Field Office in Aizawl, Mizoram, became operational in March 2025, collaborating with local police. This effort yielded a successful seizure of 10.814 kg of methamphetamine on March 24, 2025, with six individuals arrested, including two from Myanmar. Four vehicles were also confiscated in this operation. Investigations are ongoing to further dismantle the links of the trans-national drug trafficking syndicate.
These five seizures of methamphetamine in Northeast India over the past month reflect NCB’s dedication to disrupting trans-national and interstate drug networks, advancing the vision of a Drug-Free India.
