Amit Shah says no mercy for drug cartels after major recovery of Methamphetamine seizure in North East

New Delhi, Mar 16: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, has reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug cartels following a significant bust that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully intercepted two shipments and arrested four members of an international drug syndicate in coordinated operations across the Imphal and Guwahati zones. In an X post congratulating the NCB, Amit Shah remarked, “No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi government’s march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore is seized, and 4 members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones.

The drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation. Our hunt for drugs continues. Heartfelt congratulations to team NCB.”

In the first operation on March 13, 2025, NCB officers in the Imphal Zone intercepted a truck near the Lilong area. After thorough reconnaissance, authorities recovered 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets hidden inside the vehicle’s toolbox and rear cabin. Two occupants of the truck were arrested on the spot. In a follow-up, the team apprehended the suspected receiver of the contraband from Lilong and recovered a four-wheeler believed to have been used for trafficking. Authorities suspect the drugs originated from Moreh, and further investigations are underway to identify additional perpetrators. On the same day, NCB officers in the Guwahati Zone intercepted an SUV near the Assam-Mizoram border close to Silchar. Upon inspection, they discovered 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside the vehicle’s spare tyre. The vehicle’s occupant was arrested, and authorities believe the shipment was intended for Karimganj after originating in Moreh, Manipur. Investigations are ongoing to identify others connected to this network. In a related development, NCB is taking over an investigation from Mizoram’s State Excise Department following the seizure of 46 kg of crystal meth in Brigade Bawngkawn, Aizawl, on March 6. Four individuals linked to the drug syndicate were arrested in connection with this case. The NCB’s involvement aims to uncover the international and inter-state networks behind these trafficking activities.

The North-Eastern region has emerged as one of India’s most vulnerable zones for drug trafficking due to its geographic proximity to key supply routes. Recognising this risk, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expanded the strength of the NCB in 2023 to intensify the crackdown on narcotics in the region. Operating through five zonal units and a regional headquarters, the NCB continues to combat the spread of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as YABA. The increasing presence of such substances has posed a grave threat to both youth in the region and national security at large.