The seized meth is valued at approximately ₹100 crore, underscoring the scale of trafficking through this strategically sensitive border region.
BY PC Bureau
March 22, 2026: Security forces in Manipur have seized approximately 13.4 kg of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” along with ₹2 lakh in cash, from a residential premises in Chavangphai village, Tengnoupal district. The contraband is estimated to have a street value of around ₹100 crore in India’s illicit market.
The recovery took place on March 20 during a targeted operation conducted by the Manipur Police in coordination with other security forces under the Moreh Police Station jurisdiction. The house where the drugs were found is located near the porous Indo-Myanmar border, a well-known route for narcotics smuggling from conflict-affected regions of Myanmar into India’s Northeast.
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On 20.03.2026, security forces recovered approximately 13.4 Kgs of crystal methamphetamine and ₹2,00,000 (two lakhs) from a house at Chavangphai under Moreh-PS, Tengnoupal district while conducting search operation. pic.twitter.com/Na1yV3NCA8
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) March 21, 2026
Tengnoupal district’s hilly terrain, dense forests, and proximity to Myanmar make it strategically significant but also challenging to police. The porous border has historically facilitated cross-border smuggling, including narcotics, arms, and contraband. This geography, combined with limited infrastructure and rugged terrain, makes coordinated operations critical to curbing illegal activities in the region.
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No arrests have been reported in connection with the seizure. The individuals responsible—likely the stash owners or handlers—escaped before the operation was completed. Investigations are ongoing to identify the syndicate behind the drugs, trace smuggling routes, and locate those involved.
AThe crystal methamphetamine commands a very high price on the black market, with values ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore per kilogram depending on purity, putting the total worth of this haul at approximately ₹100 crore.
This seizure is part of a wider crackdown on narcotics trafficking in India’s Northeast. Just days earlier, Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police recovered 7.9 kg of methamphetamine tablets, valued at ₹23.72 crore, from an abandoned vehicle in Champhai district, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by cross-border drug networks.
The seized methamphetamine and cash have been sent for forensic analysis and will be processed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
