Churachandpur (Manipur) [India], March 5 (HBTV): In a major blow to the drug cartel, Assam Rifles apprehended a suspected drug dealer and seized drugs worth INR 15.4 crore, officials said on Tuesday.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding a drug ring, Assam Rifles carried out an operation in Thingkangphai Village, Churachandpur district, under the aegis of Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (South). The operation was launched on March 3 to apprehend drug dealers and seize contraband substances.

According to an official statement, Assam Rifles caught 44-year-old Thangsuanman, a resident of M Tanglian Village, in the late hours of March 3. He was attempting to finalize a drug deal in a white Mahindra Bolero. Upon searching the vehicle, security personnel found approximately 1.5 kg of suspected heroin concealed in 132 soap cases, with an estimated market value of INR 15.4 crore.

The apprehended suspect, along with the seized drugs and vehicle, was handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation.

Earlier on March 3, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Mizoram Police, seized methamphetamine tablets worth INR 60.63 crore in the Champhai district of Mizoram. The operation, conducted on February 28 in the general area of Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar, led to a significant drug recovery.

In a post on X, Assam Rifles stated, ‘Assam Rifles, along with Mizoram Police, recovered methamphetamine tablets weighing 20.209 kg worth INR 60.627 crore in the general area of Crossing Point One, Zokhawthar, Champhai District, Mizoram, on February 28, 2025.’

On the same day, Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police conducted intelligence-based joint operations in Mizoram, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of arms and ammunition. A day earlier, on February 27, security forces launched an operation in Lawngtlai town, Lawngtlai district, based on specific intelligence inputs. This resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of ammunition.

(ANI)