Mizoram Police seize methamphetamine worth Rs 58 crore, three arrested in major drug bust

Mizoram Police have seized 72.51 kg of methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately Rs 58.01 crore in one of the state's biggest drug busts this year and arrested three people in connection with the case, officials said on August 1.

According to a police statement, the seizure was made early on Friday when a special team of the Saitual District Executive Force (DEF), conducting routine vehicle checks at Kualmawi in Keifang, intercepted a truck travelling from Manipur towards Aizawl, around two kilometres south of Saitual Police Station.

Police said the truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest moments after it was stopped.

A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 61 bundles of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside a specially constructed cavity above the driver's cabin. The recovered contraband weighed 72.51 kg and has an estimated illicit market value of Rs 58.01 crore, making it the largest methamphetamine seizure ever recorded in Saitual district.

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba or the "crazy drug", are prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Two passengers travelling in the truck, identified as Kaidul Islam Laskar (21) and Rafik Uddin Barbhuiya (32), both residents of Pakua Punji Bhaibonti in Assam's Hailakandi district, were detained during the operation.

Based on preliminary investigations, police traced the alleged recipient of the consignment to Vanlallawmi (39), who was arrested from Bairabi in Kolasib district with assistance from the Kolasib Police.

A case has been registered at Saitual Police Station under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Police said further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the interstate drug trafficking network.