The consignment, suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar, was handed over to the NCB in Aizawl for further probe.
BY PC Bureau
August 20, 2025: Mizoram’s porous border with Myanmar is increasingly turning into a hotspot for narcotics smuggling, raising concerns for security agencies and law enforcement bodies in the Northeast. The latest seizure by the Assam Rifles highlights the scale and seriousness of the problem.
On Monday, troops of the Assam Rifles intercepted a consignment of 6.86 kilograms (70,700 tablets) of Methamphetamine, valued at around ₹21 crore, during a search operation at Zokhawthar in Champhai district, one of the most sensitive stretches along the Mizoram–Myanmar border. Acting on specific intelligence, the force stopped the narcotics from being pushed into the local market. The consignment, suspected to have been smuggled in from Myanmar, was later handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Aizawl for further investigation. While no arrests have yet been made, the operation was described as a “significant step” in efforts to choke cross-border drug networks.
ASSAM RIFLES SEIZES 6.86 KGS OF METHAMPHETAMINE TABLETS IN MIZORAM#AssamRifles recovered 6.86 Kg (70,700 Tablets) of Methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately Rs. 21 Crores in general area Crossing point 4, Zokhawthar, Mizoram in 18 Aug 2025. The recovered narcotics have… pic.twitter.com/laUWylVkDR
— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) August 20, 2025
Mizoram’s Strategic Location
Mizoram shares a 510-kilometre-long border with Myanmar, much of it mountainous and difficult to monitor. Zokhawthar, in Champhai district, has emerged as one of the key entry points for narcotics traffickers. Officials say the proximity to Myanmar’s Chin State—part of the infamous “Golden Triangle” drug belt comprising Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand—makes Mizoram particularly vulnerable to the inflow of heroin, methamphetamine (popularly known as yaba tablets), and other synthetic drugs.
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In recent years, security agencies have reported a sharp rise in drug seizures in Mizoram. Methamphetamine tablets, often transported in bulk, are smuggled into India with alarming frequency. According to data from law enforcement agencies, multiple consignments worth hundreds of crores have been intercepted along the Mizoram–Myanmar frontier in just the past two years. However, officials admit that seizures may represent only a fraction of the total volume trafficked through the state.
The influx of narcotics poses a dual challenge: it feeds local drug abuse and addiction in Mizoram and neighboring states, while also threatening to destabilize the region through the growth of organized smuggling networks. Local police have expressed concern that young people are increasingly vulnerable to addiction, while smuggling syndicates exploit poverty and unemployment to recruit couriers and carriers.
Tough Task for Security Forces
The Assam Rifles, often referred to as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” has intensified its vigilance along the border in recent months. Multiple checkpoints, patrols, and intelligence-based operations have been stepped up, but officials admit that the sheer length and terrain of the border make complete surveillance nearly impossible. Smugglers often use foot trails, forested routes, and riverine corridors to evade detection.
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“Curbing narcotics smuggling along the Mizoram–Myanmar border requires sustained coordination between state police, central agencies, and local communities,” said a senior official, noting that enhanced cooperation with Myanmar’s enforcement agencies will also be critical.
The latest seizure underscores the urgent need for stronger border management, community awareness programs, and rehabilitation initiatives to reduce demand for drugs. Officials warn that unless the flow of narcotics is checked, Mizoram risks becoming a permanent hub for transnational drug cartels operating in South and Southeast Asia.
For now, the ₹21-crore haul stands as both a victory for enforcement agencies and a reminder of the enormous challenge still ahead.
