Multiple policemen arrested in fake meth trade and extortion racket in Aizawl

Aizawl police have uncovered a major criminal racket involving serving police personnel and civilians who allegedly impersonated Crime Investigation Department (CID) officers to extort money from drug buyers during staged raids. 

The cases, registered at Aizawl Police Station and Kulikawn Police Station, point to repeated abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy, impersonation and extortion.

According to police, Aizawl Police Station Case No. 559/25 was registered after inputs from the Special Narcotics Police Station about an illegal methamphetamine transaction planned on December 15 at the New Capital Complex graveyard road. Acting on the information, police conducted an operation and arrested three persons, including two serving policemen. Subsequent follow-up action at Khatla led to the arrest of a woman carrying a substance later confirmed to be fake methamphetamine.

Those arrested in the case include Lalrinngheti (35) of Venghlui, identified by investigators as the mastermind of the racket, along with Constables RL Remlalnghaka, Vanlalringa and Andrew Lalremruata. Another serving policeman, Constable Alex Lalnunfela, was arrested later in connection with the same case. Police investigations revealed that the accused repeatedly posed as CID officers, conducted fake raids, forcibly seized money from alleged drug buyers and shared the proceeds among themselves. During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted to carrying out such acts on multiple occasions. All the policemen involved were immediately placed under suspension, while several civilian accomplices were also arrested. All accused have been remanded to judicial custody.

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In a related case registered at Kulikawn Police Station as Case No. 137/25, police are probing the alleged extortion of ₹17.4 lakh from individuals involved in an attempted drug deal near Trinity Hospital in November. The complainant, James Zoliana, was also arrested for providing false information to the police. Five other accused have been identified in the case, though they could not be arrested as they have obtained interim bail.

Another linked case, Aizawl Police Station Case No. 561/25, pertains to a fake detonator deal in which ₹5 lakh was allegedly extorted after the victims were intercepted by men posing as CID officers. Investigators later established that this case was connected to the same group involved in the fake meth racket, leading to further arrests of both serving policemen and civilians.

Police officials said the accused will face criminal prosecution under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In addition to criminal proceedings, departmental action will be initiated against all police personnel involved. Investigations are continuing to identify any other individuals who may be linked to the racket, police added.