NEW DELHI, April 11: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday lauded the government’s intensified crackdown on drug cartels, following a massive methamphetamine seizure in Assam. The operation dealt a significant blow to narcotics syndicates operating in the Northeast region.
In a post on X, Shah stated, “In our vision to build a drug-free Bharat, our agencies launched massive operations strangling drug cartels and seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets while arresting three people in Assam. Our offensives against drugs will continue with ruthless force. Congratulations to the NCB, Assam Police, and the CRPF on this major breakthrough.”
Details of the Operation
The seizures occurred on April 6 in Silchar, Assam, during a coordinated effort by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Assam Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The joint operation, which was under preparation for more than three months, led to the confiscation of 30.4 kg of methamphetamine—commonly referred to as “YABA”—in two separate incidents.
In the first incident, NCB officials, acting on precise intelligence, intercepted a car in Silchar and discovered 9.9 kg of methamphetamine concealed in the boot. The vehicle was occupied by a single individual from Churachandpur, Manipur, who was arrested at the scene. Investigations are ongoing to trace links to a larger trafficking network.
Later that evening, a second operation resulted in the interception of a Mahindra Thar vehicle, also in Silchar. Authorities found 20.5 kg of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire. Two more individuals, both residents of Churachandpur, Manipur, were arrested in connection with this case. Further investigation is underway to map the broader network and possible transnational links.
Previous Major Seizures
The recent operation follows a string of significant drug busts by the NCB in the Northeast. On March 13, 2025, NCB officials seized a total of 110 kg of methamphetamine in two coordinated raids. The first bust occurred in Silchar, where 7.5 kg of methamphetamine was recovered and one individual from Moreh, Manipur, was arrested. The second, even larger haul took place in Lilong, near Imphal, where officials seized 102.5 kg of methamphetamine and arrested three individuals.
NCB’s Expanding Presence in the Northeast
As part of its broader anti-drug strategy, the NCB has ramped up its presence in the Northeast by establishing new zonal units in Siliguri, Itanagar, Agartala, and Imphal. A regional headquarters has also been set up in Guwahati to coordinate cross-state operations.
Furthermore, the newly operationalized Field Office in Aizawl, Mizoram, has already recorded a major success. On March 24, the office facilitated the seizure of 10.814 kg of methamphetamine, resulting in the arrest of six individuals, including two foreign nationals from Myanmar.
