Silchar/Aizawl : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a total of 76 kg of tablets suspected to be methamphetamine in two intelligence-led operations conducted in Assam and Mizoram. Two persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
In the latest operation on August 25, DRI officers, assisted by personnel from the 38th Battalion of the Assam Rifles, Silchar, intercepted a 12-wheeler truck at Lalpani, around 40 km from Silchar and near the Assam–Manipur border.
The truck was identified from a convoy of vehicles arriving from Jiribam in Manipur. A detailed examination of the vehicle led to the discovery of a specially fabricated concealed cavity in the driver’s cabin, behind the driver’s seat.
The cavity contained 36 brick-sized packets weighing one kilogram each and 100 smaller packets weighing 200 grams each. The packets contained pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine. Preliminary testing with a field detection kit indicated the presence of amphetamine.
The DRI seized the 56 kg of suspected contraband, along with the truck, under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The occupant of the vehicle was arrested.
In an earlier operation on August 18, DRI officers intercepted a car at Bung Bangla on the Aizawl–Champhai Road, approximately 30 km from Aizawl in Mizoram.
A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 64 packets containing 20 kg of pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine. The packets had been concealed in specially designed deep cavities in the rocker panels, or side sills, on both sides of the vehicle, as well as in the space between the fuel tank and the floor.
Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine. Preliminary investigation suggested that the drugs had been smuggled from Myanmar into Mizoram through the Zokhawthar–Champhai sector. The contraband and the vehicle used for its transportation were seized under the NDPS Act, and the driver was arrested.
Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Its illicit use can cause serious physical and psychological effects, including cardiovascular complications, agitation, paranoia and psychosis. Prolonged abuse may also result in severe dependence and neurological and behavioural impairment.
Methamphetamine is classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985. Its illicit manufacture, possession, transportation and trafficking attract stringent penal action.