ED Conducts Raids Across Tripura, Mizoram and Bengal in Rs. 142-Crore Drug Money Laundering Probe

Agartala/Aizawl: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out coordinated searches across Tripura, Mizoram and West Bengal as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged cross-border drug trafficking and money laundering network involving proceeds of crime exceeding ?142 crore.

According to official sources, the ED's Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at four locations situated along the Mizoram-Myanmar border, the Tripura-Bangladesh border region and parts of West Bengal.

The action is linked to a case originally registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Agartala Zonal Unit.

Investigators said the locations targeted during the operation underscore the international dimensions of the case. One of the premises searched in Tripura is located barely 200 metres from the Bangladesh border, while another site in Mizoram lies around 500 metres from the Myanmar border.

The case originated from the seizure of 49.101 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets and 40 grams of heroin in Tripura on August 21, 2025. Following the recovery, central agencies launched an extensive investigation into the narcotics supply chain, financial transactions and cross-border connections linked to the consignment.

According to the ED, investigations have revealed the existence of an organised international syndicate allegedly involved in transporting methamphetamine tablets from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector in Mizoram's Champhai district before routing them to recipients in Tripura and other locations.

The probe has also uncovered a sophisticated financial network involving multiple bank accounts and shell entities allegedly used to disguise and launder proceeds generated through the illegal drug trade.

Officials said the agency has so far traced proceeds of crime worth more than ?142 crore and is continuing to investigate the money trail as well as the possible involvement of additional individuals and entities connected to the network.

The latest operation comes just days after the ED conducted another major crackdown in Mizoram related to an alleged Myanmar areca nut (Burmese betel nut) smuggling and money laundering racket involving proceeds estimated at over ?970 crore.

In that case, the ED searched nine locations in Champhai district on June 4 as part of an investigation into the illegal import and distribution of areca nuts from Myanmar and the laundering of profits generated through the activity.

Security and enforcement agencies have repeatedly expressed concern over the growing use of Mizoram and neighbouring Manipur as key transit routes for narcotics trafficking. Officials attribute the trend to the long, porous and largely unfenced international border with Myanmar, which, coupled with difficult terrain, provides opportunities for smuggling networks.

Myanmar's Chin State, which shares an extensive border with Mizoram, has long been regarded by security agencies as a major transit hub for narcotics and other forms of cross-border contraband. Several districts in Mizoram, including Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip, are frequently identified as vulnerable routes used by smuggling syndicates to move illegal goods into India.
 

With inputs from IANS