Rs 8.5 Crore Drug Haul In Manipur Exposes Myanmar Route, Two Arrested

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) , in coordination with Assam Rifles and Manipur Police , seized drugs worth around Rs 8.5 crore from Churachandpur district, officials said on Tuesday. Two persons were arrested in the operation.

The joint team intercepted a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler at Khuakhual village , leading to the recovery of 374 soap cases containing heroin , weighing about 4.267 kg . Authorities also seized two wireless communication sets , allegedly used for coordination among traffickers during transportation.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment originated from Haichin in Myanmar and was being transported towards Churachandpur, highlighting the continued use of the India–Myanmar border route for drug smuggling.

The NCB said it has intensified operations in the North Eastern region , especially along border areas, to dismantle organised drug syndicates. It added that multiple recent seizures have disrupted trafficking networks operating across the region.

Officials noted that in 2025, drugs worth around Rs 335 crore were seized in Manipur, while seizures worth about Rs 75 crore have already been made in 2026, indicating sustained enforcement pressure.The seized narcotics are kept as case property for legal proceedings and are later destroyed in accordance with prescribed protocols under the NDPS Act, once permitted by the court.

The narcotics trade in Manipur is closely linked with the region’s broader security challenges. The state lies along the Golden Triangle drug route , making it vulnerable to cross-border trafficking.

Drug networks often finance insurgent groups , providing funds that help sustain armed activities and prolong unrest. In addition, the overlap between drug smuggling, arms trade, and extortion contributes to organised criminal violence in several areas.

Rising drug availability has also led to youth addiction , weakening social stability and in some cases pushing individuals into illegal activities. Competition among trafficking groups over routes and territory further adds to localised tensions and clashes .

Authorities said the ongoing crackdown is part of efforts to make Manipur a drug-free state , with emphasis on intelligence-based operations and inter-agency coordination . However, officials acknowledge that curbing the drug economy is crucial for achieving lasting peace and reducing violence in the region.