The drug hawala network allegedly linking Mizoram and Manipur to cross-border narcotics trafficking has come under scrutiny after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested six people and froze 1,424 bank accounts. The agency said the action targeted suspected money laundering connected to drugs brought from Myanmar.
The searches took place on October 23 in Aizawl, Champhai and Lawngtlai in Mizoram, and Churachandpur in Manipur. The ED also provisionally attached properties worth Rs 17.82 crore, taking assets secured in the cases to more than Rs 26 crore.
Drug hawala network targeted in coordinated searches
The ED’s Aizawl and Imphal sub-zonal offices conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The operation involved the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Mizoram Police, as authorities examined three money-laundering cases linked to alleged trafficking of heroin, brown sugar and methamphetamine tablets from Myanmar.
Officials searched premises associated with suspected hawala operators, holders of alleged mule accounts, front businesses, a mini-ATM counter and bank branches linked to accounts under investigation. They seized ledgers, cheque books, debit cards, mobile phones and other digital devices, the agency said.
The six people arrested include three from Mizoram and three from Manipur. The ED identified them as Kashyap G. Thakkar, Thangkhuala and T. Chatuan Vanlalgakha from Mizoram, and Zenngaihniang, also known as Taniang, Nengzatuan Valte, also known as Tuanpi, and H. Gouzalal from Manipur.
How the drug hawala network allegedly moved money
According to the agency, the alleged network collected money from drug sales and routed it through bank accounts and money-transfer channels before settling payments with suppliers based in Myanmar.
The ED said some account holders told investigators they had rented out their bank accounts to suspected operators for a commission of Rs 500 per lakh. Such accounts can make it harder to trace the source and destination of funds, although the allegations remain subject to investigation.
The agency also said that ledgers from Go Alpha Trip, a mini-ATM and money-transfer counter in Churachandpur, matched credits in accounts being examined in Mizoram. It alleged that the records helped establish links between cash collected in Manipur and accounts used to settle payments associated with narcotics networks.
Drug hawala network linked to Myanmar border routes
The investigation centres partly on the Champhai-Zokhawthar corridor along the India-Myanmar border. The ED described the border as a route used for movement in both directions: chemicals allegedly used in drug production move towards Myanmar, while finished narcotics enter India.
According to the agency, heroin, brown sugar and methamphetamine tablets are carried into Mizoram and Manipur, with some consignments allegedly moved onwards through Assam to other parts of India and Bangladesh. Money generated from sales is then routed back towards border towns to pay Myanmar-based suppliers.
Six arrests as the money-laundering probe widens
The ED said Taniang and Tuanpi were already in judicial custody in separate narcotics cases. Investigators formally arrested them in the money-laundering probe after obtaining permission from the Special Judge for NDPS cases in Churachandpur.
The agency is also processing applications to arrest four additional accused who are currently in judicial custody in narcotics cases.
Alongside freezing bank accounts, the ED provisionally attached property worth Rs 17.82 crore in the latest action. It had earlier secured assets valued at Rs 8.19 crore, bringing the total value secured in the cases to more than Rs 26 crore. A provisional attachment is a legal measure during investigation and is not, by itself, a final finding of guilt.
Drug hawala network investigation continues
The operation highlights the financial trail investigators are pursuing. By examining bank records, transfer ledgers and digital devices, the ED is seeking to identify how money moved between cash handlers, account holders and suspected suppliers.
The account freezes and arrests mark an enforcement action, while further scrutiny may clarify the scale of the alleged network and the roles of those involved.
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