Golden Triangle Threat Looms Over Manipur: With its proximity to the notorious drug-producing region, Manipur remains a key battleground in India’s fight against narcotics. Recent seizures of methamphetamine worth crores and the destruction of illegal poppy fields highlight the urgency of sealing borders and strengthening law enforcement.
BY PC Bureau
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Modi government’s firm stance against drug trafficking, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to eliminate the menace from the country.
In a social media post on ‘X’, he stated, “The Modi government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money. As a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in 12 different cases across India. We pledge to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat.”
Shah’s statement came a day after he conducted a high-level security review of Manipur, marking his first assessment of the state’s law and order situation since the imposition of President’s Rule. During the meeting, he instructed all concerned authorities to intensify efforts to make Manipur drug-free by dismantling the entire network of drug traffickers operating in the region.
One of the key directives issued during the meeting was the acceleration of fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar border at designated entry points. The Home Minister stressed that border security must be strengthened to curb cross-border smuggling and illegal activities. He directed that fencing on both sides of the designated entry points be completed at the earliest to prevent infiltration and the movement of narcotics across the border.
The Modi govt is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money.
As a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 2, 2025
Additionally, Shah underscored the importance of ensuring seamless movement along the state’s highways. He called for the immediate reopening of key highways in Manipur, recognizing their critical role in maintaining connectivity and ensuring the smooth transportation of essential goods.
Manipur has been grappling with a prolonged crisis for over 21 months. One of the causes of the crisis is drug-related issues due to its proximity to the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. The state has witnessed increasing cases of drug smuggling, prompting intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on the trade.
ALSO READ: Nephew Out, Brother Elevated—But ‘Party Supreme, Not Relationships,’ Claims Mayawati
The Union Home Minister’s recent directions align with the broader efforts of the central government to reinforce security in Manipur, curb drug trafficking, and address prevailing law and order challenges. With strict measures in place, authorities are expected to take decisive action to dismantle drug networks and strengthen the state’s border security infrastructure in the coming months.
The crackdown on poppy cultivation in Manipur is part of a broader strategy to address the drug menace. The state government has destroyed nearly 15,500 acres of poppy fields since 2017, with a significant portion located in Kuki-dominated districts. This has had an impact on the financing of militant groups who rely on narco-money for their operations. A government report showed that all ethibnic groups are involved in drug trafficking in the state in varying degree.
ALSO READ: Their Demands Conceded, Arambai Tenggol Praises Amit Shah, Manipur Governor
The Modi government’s firm stance against drug trafficking, coupled with intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks and strengthen border security, reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling the drug menace in Manipur and the northeast region. The recent seizures and ongoing crackdowns demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to create a drug-free India.
Here’s an updated list of recent drug seizure cases in Northeast India, including Manipur, based on available information up to March 2, 2025. This will show that the drug menance is not confined to Manipur alone , and Kukis alone are not the villains.
ALSO READ: Opinion: Manipur Burns, and the Five-Paise Trolls Fan the Flames
Manipur
1. Manipur – Thoubal District (February 23, 2025)
o Details: Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) busted a drug trafficking cartel operating between Manipur and Assam, seizing heroin worth ₹6 crore. Two individuals were arrested in a joint operation targeting the Imphal-Guwahati route.
2. Manipur – Moreh, Tengnoupal District (January 2025, exact date unspecified)
o Details: A significant seizure of 10 kg of heroin was intercepted at Moreh, a key border town near Myanmar. This was part of a coordinated operation highlighting Manipur’s role as a trafficking hub.
3. Manipur – Imphal Border (December 2024, exact date unspecified)
o Details: Heroin was intercepted at the Imphal border, part of a series of seizures reflecting the persistent trafficking from Myanmar. Exact quantities were not specified, but it was noted as a major bust.
o Source: Web report from The Frontier Manipur (published February 2, 2025).
4. Manipur – Dimapur-Imphal Operation (November 2024, exact date unspecified)
o Details: A coordinated operation between Dimapur (Nagaland) and Imphal resulted in the seizure of unspecified narcotics, underscoring the cross-state trafficking networks linked to Manipur.
Other Northeast India States
5. Assam – Cachar District (March 1, 2025)
o Details: Cachar Police seized 415 grams of heroin worth ₹2.2 crore on Silcoorie Road, Sildubi, under Silchar Police jurisdiction, after intercepting a vehicle based on intelligence.
6. Tripura (February 25-26, 2025)
o Details: Assam Rifles, Customs Department, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 240,000 Yaba tablets in a two-day operation targeting smuggling networks.
7. Assam – Cachar District (February 27, 2025)
o Details: Cachar Police and BSF seized 10,000 Yaba tablets worth ₹3 crore near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Leverputa, Katigorah. Separately, BSF’s 170 Battalion recovered another 10,000 Yaba tablets (₹1 crore), handed over to police.
8. Assam – Nagaon District (February 24, 2025)
o Details: Nagaon Police seized 74 bottles of Broncof-C and Cadifos-T cough syrups (containing codeine) in an anti-narcotics operation, arresting one accused.
9. Assam – Jirighat, Cachar District (February 22, 2025)
o Details: Cachar Police seized 24,000 Yaba tablets worth ₹7.2 crore under Jirighat Police Station, arresting one person linked to the drug network.
10. Assam – South Salmara & Indo-Bangladesh Border (February 18, 2025)
o Details: South Salmara Police and BSF seized 7,200 Yaba tablets and 50 grams of brown sugar worth ₹3 crore near the border in a multi-operation effort.
11. Mizoram – Champhai District (February 2025, exact date unspecified)
o Details: Mizoram Police seized drugs worth over ₹25.71 crore, including methamphetamine and heroin, in Champhai near the Myanmar border. 23 arrests were made across 19 cases under the NDPS Act.
• Manipur’s Role: Manipur stands out as a critical transit and production hub, with Moreh and Imphal frequently cited due to their proximity to Myanmar. Heroin and methamphetamine seizures dominate, linked to the Golden Triangle.
• Common Drugs: Yaba tablets, heroin, brown sugar, and codeine-based syrups are prevalent across the region.
• Hotspots: Besides Manipur (Moreh, Imphal), Assam (Cachar), Mizoram (Champhai), and Tripura are key areas, often near international borders.
• Trends: Increased synthetic drug seizures (e.g., Yaba, methamphetamine) and enhanced inter-agency operations indicate a shift in trafficking patterns and enforcement strategies.
