The Mirror of Manipur || Fast, Factual and Fearless.

Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Seizures in North East India (2000-2025)

0

This report provides an in-depth analysis of drug seizures from 2000 to 2025, highlighting major busts, patterns in drug trafficking, the most affected states, and the role of law enforcement agencies in combating the narcotics trade.

Issued by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) 

The North East region of India, sharing a long and porous border with Myanmar, has emerged as a crucial transit route for narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opium. The region’s difficult terrain and limited enforcement infrastructure have made it a hotspot for drug trafficking, often involving transnational syndicates and local criminal networks.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of drug seizures from 2000 to 2025, highlighting major busts, patterns in drug trafficking, the most affected states, and the role of law enforcement agencies in combating the narcotics trade.


Major Drug Seizures: A Timeline (2000-2025)

2000-2010: Initial Crackdowns

  • 2001 – Nagaland
    • Seizure: 20 kg heroin
    • Arrested: Local traffickers
    • Seized by: Nagaland Police, Dimapur District
    • Details: Major seizure in Dimapur, a key trade center in Nagaland.
  • 2005 – Mizoram
    • Seizure: 10 kg methamphetamine
    • Arrested: Myanmar nationals
    • Seized by: Mizoram Police, Champhai District
    • Details: Drugs trafficked from Myanmar through Champhai.
  • 2009 – Manipur
    • Seizure: 50 kg heroin
    • Arrested: Two Myanmar nationals
    • Seized by: Manipur Police, Imphal District
    • Details: Heroin intercepted at the Imphal border.

2011-2020: Escalation in Trafficking

  • 2011 – Nagaland & Manipur
    • Seizure: 75 kg heroin, 30 kg methamphetamine
    • Arrested: Three individuals, two from Myanmar
    • Seized by: Nagaland & Manipur Police
    • Details: A coordinated operation in Dimapur and Imphal.
  • 2015 – Manipur
    • Seizure: 150 kg opium
    • Arrested: Two locals, one Myanmar national
    • Seized by: Manipur Police, Moreh District
    • Details: Seized at Moreh, a key border town.
  • 2019 – Manipur
    • Seizure: 250 kg heroin
    • Arrested: Three individuals (two Myanmar nationals)
    • Seized by: Manipur Police, Moreh District
    • Details: One of the largest heroin seizures in the region.

2020-2025: Intensified Enforcement

  • 2020 – Mizoram
    • Seizure: 500 kg methamphetamine
    • Arrested: Four Myanmar nationals, two locals
    • Seized by: Mizoram Police, Champhai District
    • Details: Joint operation with the Indian Army.
  • 2023 – Mizoram
    • Seizure: 200 kg heroin
    • Arrested: Myanmar nationals and local operatives
    • Seized by: Mizoram Police, Aizawl
    • Details: Bust of a Myanmar-based drug cartel.
  • 2025 – Manipur
    • Seizure: 80 kg heroin
    • Arrested: Four individuals, including two Myanmar nationals
    • Seized by: Narcotics Control Bureau & Manipur Police
    • Details: Large-scale operation near the Myanmar border.

Key Observations and Trends

  1. Rising Methamphetamine Seizures – Methamphetamine trafficking has significantly increased post-2015, surpassing traditional opiates like heroin.
  2. State with Highest Seizures: Mizoram – Champhai and Aizawl districts are major transit hubs, with Mizoram recording the highest volume of drug seizures.
  3. Persistent Drug Trafficking Hotspots – Moreh (Manipur), Champhai (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland) remain crucial trafficking points.
  4. Increase in Cross-Border Syndicates – A sharp rise in Myanmar-based trafficking groups collaborating with local networks.

Between 2000 and 2025, North East India has seen a dramatic surge in drug seizures, highlighting its critical role in international narcotics trade routes. While law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts, transnational drug syndicates continue to exploit the region’s porous borders.

To curb the growing menace, a multi-pronged strategy involving enhanced border security, increased surveillance, and greater inter-agency collaboration is imperative. Sustained vigilance and international cooperation remain crucial in addressing the evolving challenges of drug trafficking in North East India.

You might also like
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.