DRI, Assam Rifles Bust ₹23.5 Cr Drug Racket

In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking in Northeast India, the (DRI), in close coordination with the Assam Rifles, carried out two major operations resulting in the seizure of large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine. These operations underscore the intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to stem the flow of contraband drugs through this sensitive and strategically important region.

Seizure at Noni, Manipur – 21st May 2025

On May 21, 2025, acting on precise intelligence inputs, the DRI, with the support of the 19 Battalion of the Assam Rifles, intercepted a suspicious truck travelling on National Highway-37 at Noni, Manipur. Upon detailed inspection, the team discovered cleverly concealed packets containing 569 grams of heroin and 1,039 grams of methamphetamine tablets hidden in a specially constructed cavity at the bottom of the truck.

This operation marked yet another instance where drug traffickers attempted to exploit Manipur’s porous borders and difficult terrain to smuggle narcotics through concealed compartments in commercial vehicles. The seizure demonstrates the increasing sophistication of trafficking networks and the need for heightened vigilance along transit routes in the region.

Seizure at Eloichera, Hailakandi District, Assam – 22nd May 2025

Continuing their crackdown, on May 22, 2025, the DRI, assisted by the Financial Information Unit of the Assam Rifles, Silchar, carried out another high-stakes operation. Based on actionable intelligence, officers intercepted a truck at Eloichera in the Hailakandi District of Assam. A thorough examination led to the discovery of 2,640.53 grams of heroin hidden beneath the bedload floor of the vehicle.

This carefully planned concealment method points towards a well-established smuggling syndicate operating in the region. Authorities believe that the narcotics were meant to be transported further into the mainland for distribution in major urban markets.

Total Seizure and Arrests

Combined, both operations yielded a seizure of 3,209.53 grams of heroin and 1,039 grams of methamphetamine tablets, with an estimated international grey market value of approximately ₹23.5 crore. Four individuals linked to these smuggling attempts have been arrested and are being interrogated. Officials suspect they may be part of a larger interstate or cross-border drug trafficking network, and further investigations are underway.

Broader Impact and Ongoing Efforts

These successful interdictions are part of a larger, aggressive anti-narcotics strategy being implemented across the Northeast region. Since January 2025, the DRI has seized narcotic substances including ganja, heroin, and methamphetamine pills valued at a staggering ₹173 crore in the grey market. Over 26 individuals have been arrested during this period, reflecting the sustained crackdown on drug trafficking.

The Northeast, due to its proximity to the notorious “Golden Triangle” — a major drug-producing region encompassing parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand — remains highly vulnerable to smuggling activities. Traffickers often exploit the dense forests, mountainous terrain, and porous international borders to ferry contraband drugs into and through India.

In response, Indian authorities have increased surveillance, deployed advanced scanning technology at checkpoints, and improved coordination between agencies such as the DRI, Assam Rifles, state police forces, and financial intelligence units. The use of financial tracking and analysis has also helped unravel money laundering trails associated with drug trade operations.

Conclusion

The recent seizures at Noni and Eloichera are not just isolated successes but part of a robust and ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking in Northeast . The DRI and its partners, particularly the Assam Rifles, have sent a strong message to traffickers: the region will not be allowed to serve as a conduit for illicit drugs. With continued vigilance and inter-agency cooperation, India aims to dismantle drug networks and safeguard its youth and society from the scourge of addiction and criminal enterprise.