₹100 Crore Hawala Transactions Unearthed; 1,424 Bank Accounts Frozen and Assets Worth ₹17.82 Crore Seized
New Delhi, October 25: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Operation Trident, conducted coordinated raids at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur on October 23, 2026, targeting an alleged international drug trafficking network.
According to information released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation was carried out jointly by central agencies and the police forces of the three states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the action targeted an international narcotics cartel and congratulated the agencies and anti-narcotics teams involved.
₹100 Crore Hawala Transactions Unearthed
During the investigation, agencies reportedly uncovered suspected illegal hawala transactions worth approximately ₹100 crore. A total of 1,424 bank accounts were frozen, assets worth ₹17.82 crore were seized, and 500 detonators along with ₹12 lakh in cash were recovered. Eighteen people were arrested during the operation.
Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Network Under Scanner
According to investigating agencies, the alleged network used trafficking routes connected to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh to smuggle narcotics, including methamphetamine and heroin.
Searches were conducted at identified locations in Aizawl, Champhai and Zokhawthar in Mizoram, Churachandpur in Manipur, and the Cachar region of Assam.
Joint Action by NCB, Mizoram Police and ED
Operation Trident was conducted by the NCB in coordination with the Mizoram Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agencies coordinated intelligence sharing, searches, identification of suspected locations and examination of financial transactions.
Investigators are also examining the alleged roles of associates, shell companies and intermediaries suspected of facilitating the movement of illicit funds. The investigation aims to target both drug trafficking operations and their financial networks.
Earlier Arrests Also Under Investigation
According to the PIB information, earlier stages of the investigation led to the arrest of several alleged members of the network. These reportedly included Thangsinthuang, also known as Chinthu ang or Taluanga, described as an alleged Myanmar-based network leader who was arrested in Delhi.
The investigation also refers to alleged associates Vungkhantthouna, Lalrampari, who was reportedly linked to hawala operations, and Abu Saleh, also known as Saifuddin, who was accused of managing logistics in Assam's Cachar region.
Target to Eliminate Drug Trafficking Networks by 2029
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government is committed to eliminating drug trafficking networks by December 31, 2029. Under the government's Narcotics Control Vision Document (2026–2029), priority is being given to dismantling financial networks, disrupting trafficking routes and targeting assets allegedly acquired through criminal activities.
Officials said coordinated operations of this nature aim to weaken the supply chains and financial foundations of international drug trafficking networks. Further investigation in the case is underway.
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