With over ₹175 crore worth of drugs intercepted in just the past few months, including a separate 102 kg meth seizure in March, enforcement agencies are escalating efforts to dismantle cross-border narcotic networks operating through the Indo-Myanmar corridor.
By PC Bureau
June 9, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking in Northeast India, a joint team of law enforcement agencies has seized nearly 8 kg of heroin and over 6.7 kg of opium during a high-stakes operation conducted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.
The Finance Ministry, in a statement issued Monday, confirmed that the multi-agency operation—codenamed ‘Operation White Veil’—was conducted between June 5 and 7 along the porous Indo-Myanmar border. The operation was led by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police.
According to the ministry, the coordinated efforts of the joint team resulted in the recovery of 7,755.75 grams of heroin, valued at ₹54.29 crore, and 6,736 grams of opium, worth approximately ₹87.57 lakh in the international grey drug market. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized ₹35.63 lakh in cash, indicating the possibility of an active drug network operating in the region.
Huge Drugs Seizures in Joint Operations by DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in Manipur
During 5th to 7th June, in a coordinated joint operation codenamed “Operation White Veil” – DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police seized 7755.75 gms of heroin(value Rs.… pic.twitter.com/SLuCnhumft
— CBIC (@cbic_india) June 9, 2025
Other items confiscated during the operation included two Baofeng walkie-talkies and a Maruti Eeco van, which was allegedly used to transport the contraband. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case and are currently being interrogated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
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Preliminary investigations suggest that the heroin and opium were smuggled into Manipur from Myanmar, using forested and unmanned stretches along the Indo-Myanmar border—a known route for narcotics trafficking. The region’s challenging terrain, coupled with minimal surveillance infrastructure, has long made it a hotspot for cross-border smuggling activities.
Despite these operational hurdles, the agencies involved managed to execute a well-synchronized plan that led to the successful seizure and arrests. Officials underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in disrupting transnational drug syndicates.
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The Finance Ministry emphasized that the NDPS Act carries stringent penalties for drug-related offenses, including rigorous imprisonment of up to 10 years. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing such criminal networks and safeguarding the northeastern region from the scourge of narcotics.
