Aizawl, June 26 (IANS) The Assam Rifles, in separate joint operations with Mizoram Police and the Excise and Narcotics Department, seized heroin worth over Rs 1.31 crore and arrested six drug peddlers, including three women, in Mizoram, officials said on Friday.

A defence spokesman said that, acting on specific intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles personnel, in coordination with Mizoram Police, conducted a targeted operation in the Zote area of Champhai district.

During the search of a suspected two-wheeler, the joint team recovered 87.2 grams of heroin, valued at around Rs 65.40 lakh in the international market, and arrested one suspected drug peddler.

The seized narcotics, the accused and the vehicle were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai for further investigation and legal action.

In another intelligence-based operation, Assam Rifles, jointly with officials of the Excise and Narcotics Department, raided a house in Tuikual North in Aizawl district.

The team recovered approximately 63 grams of heroin, concealed in five boxes, with an estimated market value of Rs 47.25 lakh.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the narcotics had allegedly been smuggled from Myanmar for distribution in Aizawl and other parts of the country.

Four people, including three women, were arrested during the operation.

The accused and the seized contraband were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department for further investigation.

In a third operation, Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police again conducted a joint search in the Zote area of Champhai district, leading to the recovery of 24.8 grams of heroin worth around Rs 18.60 lakh from a suspected vehicle.

One person was arrested, while the narcotics, the accused and the vehicle were handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department for necessary legal proceedings.

According to an official statement, the successful operations reflect the Assam Rifles’ continued resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks and safeguard border communities.

The force said the seizures underscore the strong coordination between Assam Rifles and other law enforcement agencies in combating narco-trafficking in Mizoram.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Assam Rifles organised an awareness programme at Holy Cross School in Vengthar, Champhai district.

The programme aimed to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the dangers of illicit trafficking while promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

A total of 365 participants, including 350 students and 15 teachers, attended the event.

During the interactive session, speakers highlighted the physical, mental and socio-economic consequences of substance abuse, as well as the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking in India’s border regions.

The school authorities appreciated the Assam Rifles’ initiative in motivating young people to stay away from drugs and become responsible citizens.

The awareness programme forms part of the Assam Rifles’ broader efforts to promote youth empowerment, support rehabilitation initiatives and foster a drug-free environment through sustained community engagement.

Myanmar’s Chin State has long been regarded as a major transit corridor for smuggling narcotics, exotic wildlife, explosives and other contraband into India through Mizoram’s six border districts, Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip.

The 510-km unfenced and mountainous India-Myanmar border makes the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border trafficking and the movement of illegal goods.

–IANS

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