Agartala, February 16 – In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), seized a large quantity of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, valued at over ₹45 crore, and arrested a drug peddler in Tripura, officials said on Monday.
A defence spokesman stated that, acting on secret information, Assam Rifles, along with DRI officials, intercepted a truck in Mungiakami, Khowai district, and conducted a thorough search, leading to the recovery of approximately 4.50 lakh methamphetamine tablets, estimated to have a market value of ₹45 crore.
During the operation, one individual, identified as Hafijul Hoque (42), a resident of Udalguri district in Assam, was apprehended in connection with the seizure of drugs.
The seized contraband, along with the apprehended individual, has been handed over to the DRI for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.
This successful operation highlights the continued commitment of the Assam Rifles in coordination with DRI to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the region from the growing menace of narcotics, an official statement said.
The highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba or party tablets, contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, and are banned in India.
In another operation, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the smuggling of cigarettes, the Assam Rifles established a mobile vehicle check post (MVCP) on a highway in Manipur's Noney district on Sunday.
During the operation, a truck traveling from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi was intercepted and subjected to detailed inspection. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed 88 cartons of foreign-made cigarettes.
The seized consignment, valued at ₹2.9 crore, along with the vehicle, has been handed over to the DRI for further legal proceedings.
Two individuals were also apprehended in connection with the seizure. Officials suspect that both the methamphetamine tablets and the foreign-made cigarettes were smuggled from Myanmar.
Myanmar, which shares a 1,643-km-long unfenced border with four northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram – serves as a key transit point for drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India.