IMPHAL, June 10: A major drug trafficking network operating through the Indo-Myanmar border was disrupted during a joint operation codenamed “Operation White Veil,” resulting in the seizure of narcotic substances and cash worth approximately Rs. 55.52 crore in Manipur. The operation was carried out from 5th to 7th June 2025 in the border areas of Churachandpur District by a combined team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, 37 Bn Assam Rifles, and the Manipur Police.
The joint team successfully recovered 7,755.75 grams of heroin valued at Rs. 54.29 crore and 6,736 grams of opium worth Rs. 87.57 lakh in the international grey market. Additionally, Rs. 35.63 lakh in cash, two Baofeng Walkie-Talkies, and a Maruti Eeco Van were seized. Five individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which prescribes stringent penalties, including rigorous imprisonment of up to ten years.
On the early morning of 6th June 2025, law enforcement discreetly followed two suspects travelling in a Maruti Eeco Van at Behiang Village near the Myanmar border. The pursuit led to a residential house in Thadou Veng, Singngat Sub-Division, where officials discovered 219 soap cases containing heroin and eight packages along with 18 small tin cans filled with opium. Two Baofeng Walkie-Talkies and Rs. 7,58,050 in cash were also recovered. One suspect was arrested at the house, while two others, who initially fled the scene, were later intercepted at Bualkot Check Gate. A follow-up search at another house in Behiang Village, associated with one of the accused, led to the recovery of two more packages of opium and Rs. 28,05,000 in cash.
Further intelligence during the operation led to the interception of two individuals at Zoukhonuam Village near Border Pillar 46 on 7th June. They were found carrying improvised manpacks containing 440 soap cases filled with heroin.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the narcotic substances were smuggled into India from Myanmar through the porous and forested Indo-Myanmar border, which poses significant challenges for enforcement agencies. Despite these difficulties, the coordinated effort between DRI, Customs, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police ensured the success of Operation White Veil, striking a major blow against the narcotics network in the region.
