In addition to, the narcotics network in Northeast India, heroin worth ₹20 lakh was seized during a joint operation by Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Police.
The bust occurred on Monday, July 29, and led to the arrest of three individuals suspected of trafficking drugs across state borders.
The successful crackdown underscores the growing cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of both states.
Joint Strategy Bears Fruit
The coordinated raid was conducted in a high-risk area near the Assam-Arunachal border, where drug smuggling has been on the rise in recent years.
According to officials, the seized consignment was meant to be distributed across Assam and further into North Bengal.
Acting on a tip-off, a combined team of Arunachal and Assam Police intercepted the smugglers near Likabali.
Three persons were taken into custody during the operation, and interrogation is underway to uncover the wider network.
Heroin Concealed in Vehicle
Police sources revealed that the heroin was cleverly concealed in hidden compartments of a private vehicle. The substance, packaged in soap cases, weighed approximately 250 grams.
Its estimated street value is pegged at around ₹20 lakh. This modus operandi is consistent with previous smuggling techniques used by peddlers in the region.
Inter-State Teamwork Applauded
The success of this operation reflects the evolving synergy between the two state police forces.
Arunachal Pradesh DGP Anand Mishra praised the collaborative approach, stating, “Only through coordination and shared intelligence can we defeat the drug menace in the Northeast.”
Assam’s Director General of Police G.P. Singh echoed this sentiment and reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.
He said Assam Police will continue to support and work with neighbouring states for similar operations.
Drug Menace in Northeast India
The Northeast region has emerged as a major corridor for drug trafficking in India due to its proximity to the “Golden Triangle” — Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
States like Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh face constant threats from smugglers using border routes.
According to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) reports. Also, there has been a steady increase in heroin trafficking cases in the region.
The availability of synthetic drugs and cross-border infiltration further complicates enforcement efforts.
Legal Action Underway
The arrested suspects have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Furthermore, police have not ruled out the involvement of international handlers.
Investigations are also being conducted to trace bank accounts and digital footprints of the accused. A court in Lakhimpur remanded them to police custody for further questioning.
Public Support Crucial
Both state governments are calling on citizens to help in the fight against drugs.
Local communities have been urged to report suspicious activity anonymously.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier launched the “Drugs Mukta Assam” campaign, which has seen over ₹1,000 crore worth of narcotics destroyed.
Arunachal Pradesh has also stepped up its efforts with awareness drives, rehab programs, and border surveillance.
Way Forward
This joint raid is expected to serve as a warning to traffickers operating in the border belt. Moreover, officials say more such coordinated actions will follow in coming weeks.
The Northeast’s war on drugs needs sustained effort, intelligence sharing, and unwavering public cooperation.
The ₹20 lakh heroin seizure has once again shown that united policing can effectively disrupt the drug trade.
For updates on anti-drug operations and inter-state policing, follow reports on the Assam Police website and Arunachal Pradesh Police portal.
Stay informed on local news, law enforcement updates, and developments across Northeast India through our regional security section.
Call to Action:
Stay alert. Lastly, report suspicious activity. Join the fight against drug trafficking in your region.