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Narcotics bust: 109 kg Yaba worth ₹327 crore seized at Assam-Mizoram border

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

September 17, 2026
Narcotics bust: 109 kg Yaba worth  ₹327 crore seized at Assam-Mizoram border

Assam Rifles and the DRI have seized 109.2 kg of Yaba tablets worth ₹327 crore in Assam's Hailakandi district. This record-breaking operation marks a significant escalation in the fight against regional drug trafficking networks.

Record-Breaking Narcotics Seizure in Assam

In a landmark operation conducted on the night of September 15-16, the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted a massive consignment of narcotics in the Ramnathpur area of Assam’s Hailakandi district. The recovery of 109.2 kilograms of Yaba tablets—a potent synthetic drug—carries an estimated market value of ₹327 crore. This inter-agency collaboration represents a significant blow to the clandestine supply chains operating near the Assam-Mizoram border.

Strategic Importance of the Hailakandi Corridor

The Hailakandi district serves as a critical transit point for illicit trade due to its proximity to the Mizoram border. Traffickers frequently exploit the porous and geographically challenging terrain of Northeast India to move narcotics from production hubs toward domestic and international markets. The scale of this seizure highlights the increasing sophistication and volume of drug smuggling operations that security forces are currently contending with in the region.

Escalating Drug Trends in the Northeast

This incident is not an isolated event but rather part of a worrying upward trend in narcotics trafficking within the state. This seizure follows a notable recovery in August, where the DRI intercepted 60kg of Yaba valued at ₹168 crore in the neighboring Cachar district. The proximity in time and location between these two major busts suggests that regional syndicates are highly active, necessitating a sustained and intensified multi-agency response to dismantle these networks.

Operational Success for Assam Rifles

The Assam Rifles have officially categorized this recovery as one of the largest drug seizures in the history of Assam. By acting on precise intelligence, the joint team was able to execute a surgical operation that resulted in the arrest of one individual. Such successes are vital for maintaining regional stability, as the proceeds from these narcotics often fuel further illegal activities and organized crime, threatening the socio-economic fabric of the border regions.

Future Implications and Security Outlook

Moving forward, the success of this operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency coordination. As authorities continue to investigate the source and intended destination of the seized tablets, the pressure on trafficking cartels is expected to mount. Future trends will likely involve heightened surveillance along the Assam-Mizoram border and increased focus on identifying the masterminds behind these large-scale operations to effectively curb the flow of synthetic drugs into the region.