NCB arrests Myanmar-based drug trafficker linked to India-Myanmar syndicate

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested a Myanmar-based drug trafficker, identified as Thancintuang alias Chintuang alias Tluanga, from Delhi in connection with multiple narcotics cases linked to interstate and transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Myanmar border, officials said on Sunday.

The accused was allegedly involved in trafficking Methamphetamine and Heroin through the Myanmar-Mizoram-Manipur-Assam-Tripura corridor into different parts of India and Bangladesh, they said.

According to NCB, the arrest followed sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated interstate operations.

Officials said Chintuang was wanted in multiple NDPS cases registered by NCB and other drug law enforcement agencies, including two cases registered by the NCB Agartala Zone.

He was the prime accused in a 2024 NCB case involving seizure of 14 kg Methamphetamine and 2.8 kg Heroin, in which six persons had earlier been arrested. He was also named in another NCB Agartala Zone case of 2025 involving seizure of 49.1 kg Methamphetamine tablets, officials said.

Investigators said the accused was linked to several other NDPS cases registered by Champhai Police and the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department between 2023 and 2025.

The agency claimed investigations indicated the network was involved in narcotics trafficking valued at around Rs 115 crore.

During follow-up operations, NCB arrested several alleged associates of the accused, including Vungkhanthawna, identified as a facilitator in movement of narcotic consignments, and Lalrampari, alleged to be involved in hawala transactions linked to the syndicate.

Officials said financial transactions worth nearly Rs 100 crore linked to the network were detected and the matter was shared with the Enforcement Directorate for further action.

Another accused, Abu Saleh alias Saifuddin from Assam’s Cachar district, was arrested in November 2025 for allegedly coordinating transportation and distribution of narcotic substances through the Assam corridor, officials said.

NCB also arrested another accused, identified as Jabrul from Assam’s Karimganj district, in December 2025 along with an additional narcotics consignment.

According to officials, investigations revealed the existence of an organised interstate and international trafficking network operating from Myanmar through Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and Tripura.

NCB said it has intensified intelligence-based operations and financial investigations under the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to identify and freeze assets generated through illicit drug trafficking.