In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, officials of the Mizoram excise and narcotics department, in a joint operation with the Assam Rifles and the central anti-drug squad (CADS) of the Central Young Mizo Association (YMA), seized 740 grams of heroin and arrested nine individuals in the early hours of Friday, according to department spokesperson Peter Zohmingthanga.
Details of the Seizure
Zohmingthanga stated that the contraband was being clandestinely transported from Manipur towards Aizawl. The operation intercepted the shipment at New Vervek village in Aizawl district, leading to the arrest of nine persons, all residents of Pherzawl district, Manipur. The operation was conducted at approximately 2:30 am on Friday.
Arrested Individuals
The arrested persons were identified as Lalramsiem (43), Andrew (30), Lalchuailou (49), Joseph (19), Lalrinchhan (36), Lalmalsawm (37) — all residents of Lungthulien village; Lalthlankung Hmar (42) of Khiangbawr village; John Barnard (34) of Sihpuikawn; and Lalneihlim (18) of Damdei village, all in Pherzawl district, Manipur.
Seized Vehicle
An unregistered car used to transport the heroin was also seized by the authorities.
Legal Action
The accused have been booked under Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and were produced before the Special Court (NDPS Act) in Aizawl district on Friday.
Shift in Trafficking Routes
Enforcement agencies noted that a large number of drug traffickers and mules have shifted their operations from Mizoram's Champhai district, bordering Myanmar, to a new route via Manipur following the launch of the Mizoram government's massive anti-drug crackdown, Operation Jericho, on September 1 last year. Since December last year, authorities have seized large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine being smuggled through the Mizoram-Manipur border.
