GUWAHATI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 76 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets in two intelligence-led operations conducted in Assam and Mizoram, leading to the arrest of two persons under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
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According to a press release, in the latest operation on August 25, DRI officials, assisted by personnel of the 38th Battalion, Assam Rifles, Silchar, intercepted a 12-wheeler truck at Lalpani, around 40 km from Silchar near the Assam-Manipur border. The vehicle was identified from a convoy travelling from Jiribam, Manipur.
An examination of the truck led to the discovery of a specially fabricated concealed cavity in the driver's cabin behind the driver's seat. Officials recovered 36 packets weighing 1 kg each and 100 smaller packets weighing 200 grams each, containing pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine.
Preliminary field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine. The 56 kg contraband, along with the truck, was seized under the NDPS Act, and the occupant of the vehicle was arrested.
In an earlier operation on August 18, DRI officials intercepted a car at Bung Bangla, around 30 km from Aizawl along the Aizawl-Champhai Road in Mizoram.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 64 packets containing 20 kg of pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine. The packets were concealed in specially designed cavities in the rocker panels or side sills on both sides of the vehicle and 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 were seized, and the driver was arrested.
Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, with its illegal manufacture, possession, transportation and trafficking attracting stringent legal penalties.