Agartala, June 08, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched simultaneous search operations across Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal in connection with a sprawling international drug trafficking and money laundering racket. The action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, has so far led to the identification of proceeds of crime exceeding ₹142 crore.

According to official sources, the ED probe originates from a case registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) following a major drug seizure in Tripura on August 21, 2025. During that operation, authorities confiscated 49.101 kg of methamphetamine tablets along with 40 grams of heroin, exposing the contours of a large-scale cross-border narcotics network.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the methamphetamine consignments were sourced from Myanmar and smuggled into India through the Zokhawthar border point in Mizoram’s Champhai district. The contraband was allegedly routed onward to various locations in Tripura for distribution.

The ED has alleged that the syndicate operated an intricate financial network involving multiple bank accounts and shell companies to launder illicit proceeds and obscure the origin of funds. Investigators have so far traced transactions amounting to over ₹142 crore linked to the racket.

As part of the raid, ED teams conducted searches at multiple locations, including the residences of Jashim Miah and Anwar Hossain in the Kulubari area of Sonamura, Tripura. The area is situated close to the India-Bangladesh international border, approximately 200 meters away. Simultaneously, search operations are underway at a location in Mizoram situated about 500 meters from the India-Myanmar border.

In a related development, the ED had carried out a separate operation in Mizoram last week involving the smuggling of areca nuts (betel nuts) from Myanmar and associated money laundering activities. In that case, officials reported detection of proceeds of crime worth nearly ₹970 crore.

Security and intelligence agencies have flagged the growing vulnerability of India’s northeastern borders, particularly in Mizoram and Manipur, which share long and porous boundaries with Myanmar. These regions have increasingly emerged as key transit corridors for narcotics trafficking. Investigators indicate that drugs and other contraband are being funneled into India from Myanmar’s Chin State through multiple routes spanning districts such as Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

The ED stated that the involvement of additional individuals and entities linked to the network is under active examination. The investigation remains ongoing, with further disclosures expected as the probe progresses.