Aizawl (Mizoram), 22 August (HS): In one of the state’s largest drug seizures, the Excise & Narcotics Department of Mizoram, assisted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Border Security Force’s 191 Battalion, intercepted vehicles on National Highway-06A and recovered a massive consignment of narcotics, police informed on Friday.

During the search operation between Keifang and Seling, officers found 49.101 kg of methamphetamine and 36 grams of heroin hidden inside specially altered compartments of two trucks. Officials later confirmed that the consignment, valued at around ₹75 crore, had been smuggled from Myanmar.

The crackdown resulted in the arrest of eight people — Zoramsiama (25), Lalruatkima (42), Nanglamthanga (20), David Lalhmachhuana (28), T. Chatuanvanlalnghaka (29), Lalramthara (27), Hmangaihzaua (38) and Lalrammuana (29). Authorities also impounded four vehicles used for trafficking, including two trucks, a Renault Duster and a Mahindra Bolero.

Describing it as the second-largest meth seizure in Mizoram’s history, officials recalled that the state had earlier witnessed a record bust of nearly 100 kg of the same drug. They further noted Mizoram’s growing vulnerability as a transit hub for narcotics trafficking in the region.

All eight accused have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which prescribes imprisonment of 10–20 years and fines up to ₹2 lakh upon conviction. Pp--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash