Aizawl: In a major crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking, security forces seized 9.6 lakh methamphetamine tablets worth ₹144 crore during a joint operation at Serchhip in Mizoram on August 28 evening. The operation was conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) under Sector Headquarters, Aizawl, in coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The consignment, being transported in a Bolero pick-up truck (registration number MZ01 AE 8791), was intercepted, and three individuals were arrested at the spot. Officials confirmed that the accused will be produced before court on Friday by the NCB.
Authorities said this was the second-largest methamphetamine haul in Mizoram over the past three years, underscoring the state’s continuing vulnerability to cross-border drug smuggling networks.
The massive seizure comes against the backdrop of alarming drug-related fatalities in Mizoram. State Excise and Narcotics Minister Lainghinghlova Hmar recently informed the assembly that 351 drug-related deaths have been recorded in the last five years, including 46 women. Of these, 78 were linked to heroin abuse, while 273 deaths were attributed to multiple drug consumption.
The victims, aged between 19 and 57, saw the highest fatalities in 2023 with 76 deaths. From January to August 8 this year alone, 51 people — including seven women — lost their lives to drugs. Among the state’s 11 districts, Aizawl reported the highest toll with 274 deaths, followed by Lunglei (69) and Champhai (58). Hnahthial recorded the lowest, with just one death.
Officials stressed that while law enforcement agencies continue to intercept large consignments, Mizoram remains a sensitive transit route for narcotics, making coordinated action vital to combating the crisis.
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