18 arrested as agencies freeze 1,424 bank accounts, attach properties worth ₹17.82 crore and target an international drug trafficking network
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched a major crackdown on an alleged international drug trafficking syndicate operating across the Northeast, conducting simultaneous raids at 38 locations in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur on Friday, October 23.
The operation, code-named Operation Trident, targeted the suspected operational, logistical and financial networks of a transnational drug cartel allegedly involved in trafficking narcotics through the India-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor.
The coordinated operation reportedly uncovered hawala transactions worth nearly ₹100 crore, led to the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts and resulted in the attachment of properties valued at ₹17.82 crore. Investigating agencies also seized 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash, while 18 people were arrested.
The operation involved multiple enforcement agencies and state police forces, with investigators focusing on suspected drug traffickers, financial intermediaries, shell entities and individuals allegedly facilitating illicit money transfers.
The crackdown is in line with the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029), which emphasises intelligence-led investigations, inter-agency coordination and disruption of the financial networks supporting organised drug trafficking.
Amit Shah Praises Coordinated Anti-Drug Operation
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah welcomed the operation, congratulating the NCB, central enforcement agencies and police forces of Assam, Mizoram and Manipur for their coordinated action.
In a post on X, Shah said the government’s campaign against narcotics continued with simultaneous raids at 38 locations across the three northeastern states on October 23.
He highlighted the reported discovery of hawala transactions worth nearly ₹100 crore, the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts, the attachment of properties worth ₹17.82 crore and the seizure of detonators and cash.
The arrests, according to the information released about the operation, represent a significant phase in efforts to investigate the alleged cartel’s financial and logistical infrastructure.
38 Multi-Agency Teams Conduct Simultaneous Raids
Operation Trident was spearheaded by the NCB in coordination with Mizoram Police, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other enforcement agencies.
The operation followed extensive intelligence gathering, joint identification of targets and coordinated operational planning. A total of 38 composite teams conducted searches and investigations at 38 identified locations under a unified command structure.
The raids covered key locations and suspected transit points, including Aizawl, Champhai and Zokhawthar in Mizoram, Churachandpur in Manipur, and the Cachar corridor in Assam.
Investigators sought to disrupt both the movement of narcotics and the financial channels allegedly used to fund trafficking operations. The inquiry also focused on suspected facilitators, money mules, shell entities and financial intermediaries.
Earlier investigations by the NCB, Mizoram Police and the ED reportedly used financial profiling and digital forensics to trace suspected transactions and identify individuals linked to the alleged network. The findings helped investigators map the syndicate’s wider operations ahead of the coordinated raids.
Myanmar-Based Kingpin Allegedly Linked to Trafficking Network
Investigators have identified Myanmar-based Thangcintuang, also known as Chintuang or Tluanga, as a key figure allegedly associated with the syndicate.
According to the information provided in connection with the investigation, he was wanted in more than 10 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act involving the NCB, Champhai Police and Mizoram Excise authorities. He was subsequently arrested in Delhi following inter-state surveillance and follow-up operations.
The alleged trafficking network is suspected of moving methamphetamine and heroin originating in Myanmar through Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and Tripura, with onward distribution into other parts of India and Bangladesh.
The cross-border route has drawn the attention of enforcement agencies because of its alleged use for transporting narcotics and facilitating financial transactions connected with the trade.
Previous Arrests Helped Investigators Trace Financial Links
Earlier investigative developments reportedly helped agencies identify several individuals suspected of facilitating the cartel’s operations.
Vungkhanthawna was identified as a suspected facilitator responsible for coordinating the movement and delivery of drug consignments originating in Myanmar. He was arrested and subsequently detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, according to the information provided.
Lalrampari, described by investigators as a suspected hawala operator, was arrested by the NCB on August 8, 2024. The investigation into the financial network reportedly uncovered nearly ₹100 crore in suspected illicit hawala transactions, prompting further coordination with the ED and action against linked assets.
Another alleged operative, Abu Saleh, also known as Saifuddin, was arrested in Cachar on November 20, 2025. He was described as a suspected logistics coordinator for the Assam corridor and was allegedly linked to multiple NDPS cases.
Investigators believe that financial analysis, digital evidence and follow-up inquiries into these suspected associates helped establish a broader picture of the alleged trafficking network.
Scindia Reiterates Call for a Drug-Free India
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia also welcomed Operation Trident, stating that the Northeast should not become a corridor for the movement of illegal narcotics and contraband.
In a post on X, Scindia praised the coordinated action undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
He said the operation reinforced efforts to build a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) and expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel of the central agencies and police forces involved in the operation.
Financial Disruption at the Centre of the Investigation
Beyond the arrests and seizures, the reported freezing of bank accounts and attachment of properties underline the financial dimension of the investigation.
By tracing suspected hawala transactions and targeting assets allegedly connected with illicit activities, investigators are seeking to identify the wider network supporting the movement and distribution of narcotics.
The investigation into Operation Trident is expected to focus on establishing financial links, identifying additional suspects and determining the extent of the alleged cartel’s cross-border operations.
The reported seizures and arrests mark a major enforcement action across three northeastern states. Further conclusions about individual responsibility and the extent of the alleged network will depend on the ongoing investigation and the evidence established through legal proceedings.