Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 9: In a major crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 7.312 kg of high-grade heroin, valued at approximately Rs 15 crore, and arrested two traffickers near the India-Myanmar border, officials said on Thursday.

The contraband was found concealed inside 638 soap cases during an interception of a Bolero vehicle in border areas of Manipur. The arrested accused have been identified as Ginkhawmlian and Mangboi Simte, residents of Mata village in Multam area of Churachandpur district.

“Search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 7.312 kg of premium-quality heroin,” the NCB said in a statement, adding that the operation was carried out in close coordination with the Assam Rifles.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the narcotics originated from Haichin in Myanmar and were trafficked through dense forest corridors in Manipur to evade urban surveillance, police checkpoints and security camps.

Both accused will be produced before a competent court along with the seized narcotics for further legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials said.

Traffickers shifting routes

NCB officials said intensified enforcement along traditional trafficking corridors has forced drug syndicates to abandon conventional routes. Traffickers are increasingly using remote forest tracks and riverine paths to avoid detection.

In a related operation last month, NCB sleuths had seized around 7 kg of heroin at Jiribam, reflecting evolving trafficking patterns and the impact of enhanced inter-zonal coordination and intelligence-led operations.

NCB action in 2025

According to official data, the NCB in 2025 has seized 1.33 lakh kg of narcotics worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore, and destroyed over 77,000 kg of drugs valued at Rs 3,889 crore. The agency has also issued 37 Interpol notices against fugitive drug traffickers and deported five accused to India.

Last year, the NCB registered 447 cases, arresting 994 traffickers, including 25 foreign nationals. Convictions were secured for 265 offenders in 131 cases, with 39 convicts receiving the maximum sentence of 20 years. Fines totalling Rs 3.3 crore were imposed, officials said.