Between July 5 and July 8, Mizoram Police conducted multiple special operations across the border state, leading to the seizure of narcotic drugs, suspected wildlife products and illegally smuggled goods. Several people were arrested, while the total estimated value of the seized items runs into crores of rupees. According to Mizoram Police, most of the cases are suspected to be linked to cross-border smuggling, and multiple agencies are investigating the network.
On July 8, a special team of Saitual Police intercepted a truck during a routine inspection at the Khualmawi Check Gate. According to police, the driver, Phulchand Ali Mandal (35), a resident of Dhubri district in Assam, attempted to flee during the inspection but was apprehended after a chase. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 102 grams of suspected heroin concealed inside nine soap boxes. The seized narcotics have an estimated illicit market value of approximately Rs 20.40 lakh. Police seized the contraband and initiated legal proceedings against the accused.
On the night of July 7, the Champhai Police Special Task Force intercepted a Bolero Max vehicle travelling towards Champhai. Police recovered nine bags weighing approximately 210 kilograms, containing what are preliminarily suspected to be Manta Ray or Mobula gill plates. The seized material has an estimated international black market value of around Rs 2.30 crore. Police said the seizure could be one of the largest recoveries of its kind in Mizoram.
As the recovered material may be linked to protected marine species, the vehicle, the seized items and both accused persons were handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer of the Champhai Forest Division for further investigation. The Forest Department will determine the species involved through scientific examination before deciding the applicable legal provisions.
In another case on July 7, police recovered 26 grams of suspected heroin from a container concealed beneath the rear seat of a Tata Sumo travelling from Zokhawthar to Aizawl. According to police, the consignment was linked to Lalrinchhana (20), a resident of Myanmar. In a separate operation on July 6, Zokhawthar Police recovered 48 grams of suspected heroin from a Maxi Cab. The narcotics were concealed inside the bag of a passenger identified as Thuanmawia (42), a resident of Falam district in Myanmar.
On July 6, a joint team of the Aizawl District Special Branch and the 34 Assam Rifles seized 1.955 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine during an operation in the Lawipu area of Aizawl. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1.60 crore. Markus Lalvenpuia (19) was arrested in connection with the case, and legal proceedings have been initiated under the relevant laws.
On July 5, police intercepted a tank lorry during a routine inspection at the Champhai Khankawn Police Check Gate. A search resulted in the seizure of 2,960 kilograms of dried areca nuts with an estimated value of approximately Rs 10.36 lakh. According to police, the driver failed to produce valid documents, following which the vehicle and the seized consignment were handed over to the Customs Preventive Force for further action.
Mizoram shares an international border with Myanmar, making the state vulnerable to the smuggling of narcotic drugs, wildlife products and other illegal goods. Security agencies have been intensifying surveillance in border areas to curb organised smuggling activities.
Apart from Mizoram Police, the Forest Department, Assam Rifles and the Customs Department are participating in the investigation. Officials believe that questioning of the arrested accused may provide important information about larger cross-border smuggling networks.
