Agartala, 8th June 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched coordinated search operations across Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal in connection with a major international drug trafficking and money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
According to officials, the raids were initiated under Section 17 of the PMLA and are linked to a case originally registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The investigation stems from a significant drug seizure in Tripura on August 21, 2025, where authorities recovered 49.101 kg of methamphetamine tablets and 40 grams of heroin.
The ED stated that the probe has uncovered a large-scale cross-border trafficking network believed to be operating between Myanmar and India. The drugs are reportedly smuggled into India via the Zokhawthar border area in Champhai district of Mizoram, which lies close to the Myanmar border. From there, the narcotics are distributed to various recipients in Tripura and other parts of the country.
Officials further allege that the syndicate used multiple bank accounts and shell companies to launder proceeds of crime through complex financial transactions. So far, investigators have identified assets linked to the illegal network worth more than ₹142 crore.Search operations are currently underway at multiple locations, including residences in Kulubari under Sonamura in Tripura, close to the Bangladesh border. ED sources said the house of individuals identified as Jashim Mia and Anwar Hossain is among the premises being searched. In Mizoram, raids are also being conducted at locations situated approximately 500 meters from the Myanmar border.
In a related development, the ED had conducted another operation in Mizoram last week in a separate case involving alleged betel nut smuggling and money laundering linked to Myanmar-based networks, where suspected illicit assets worth nearly Rs 970 crore were reportedly detected.
Security and intelligence agencies have long warned that the porous and difficult terrain along the Myanmar border has made states like Mizoram and Manipur vulnerable to becoming major corridors for drug trafficking into Northeast India. Routes through districts such as Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saiha, and Serchhip are frequently cited in ongoing investigations.
The ED has stated that further investigations are underway to identify additional individuals and entities involved in the syndicate.
