Assam Rifles, DRI seize 20 kg crystal meth worth Rs 40 Crore in Cachar

Silchar, Nov 2: Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Silchar, seized 20 kg of crystal methamphetamine, valued at approximately Rs 40 crore, at Dholai Bazar in Cachar district on October 30.

Three individuals allegedly involved in transporting the consignment were apprehended during the operation.

According to a press release issued by Assam Rifles, the joint operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of a suspected narcotics consignment.

A detailed search led to the recovery of 20 packets of crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 20 kg. The team also seized three mobile phones and two vehicles suspected to have been used to transport the contraband.

Assam Rifles claimed the recovery as the first-ever seizure of crystal methamphetamine, marking a development in efforts to curb organised synthetic drug trafficking networks in the region. The estimated international market value of the seized narcotics is Rs 40 crore.

A preliminary assessment suggests that the consignment originated in Mizoram and was routed through Silchar, allegedly serving as a transit point for onward transportation to mainland India. The route points to the possible use of the Northeast as a corridor for synthetic narcotics trafficking.

The three apprehended individuals, along with the seized contraband, mobile phones and vehicles, were subsequently handed over to DRI Silchar for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The release highlighted the importance of intelligence-based operations, technical surveillance and coordination among enforcement agencies in identifying and disrupting drug trafficking networks. It added that the joint operation underscored the continued efforts of Assam Rifles and other agencies to prevent the movement of narcotics through the Northeast.