NCB Imphal Zonal Unit busts major heroin trafficking network in Manipur

Guwahati: In a significant breakthrough against cross-border drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Imphal Zonal Unit, in close coordination with the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, successfully conducted a joint operation in a remote area near Khuakhual, Churachandpur District, Manipur.

During the operation, one vehicle and one motorcycle were intercepted. Upon thorough search, a total of 374 soap cases containing heroin, weighing approximately 4.267 kg, were recovered and seized. The estimated international market value of the seized contraband is ₹8.5 crore.

Two individuals involved in the trafficking have been arrested. Additionally, two wireless communication sets were recovered, which were being used for coordination between the accused during transportation of the contraband.


Preliminary investigation has revealed that the source of the contraband is Haichin, Myanmar, and the intended destination was Churachandpur, Manipur.

The seizure highlights the persistent challenge of drug trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border, which remains a vulnerable route exploited by transnational drug syndicates.

The Narcotics Control Bureau has been consistently intensifying its operations in the Northeastern Region, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border, to dismantle drug trafficking networks. This seizure adds to a series of successful operations carried out by NCB in Manipur, reflecting its sustained commitment to curbing the inflow of narcotics and disrupting supply chains.

Multiple cases have been registered by NCB in recent times, leading to substantial seizures and arrests, thereby significantly impacting organized drug trafficking networks operating in the region. In 2025 , different types of drugs worth Rs 335 Crore have been seized in Manipur by NCB and and drugs worth Rs 75 Crore have been seized till now in 2026.

These efforts are aligned with the Government of India’s vision of making Manipur a drug-free state, with a strong focus on inter-agency coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and strict enforcement action against traffickers.

Further investigation in the case is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network and to trace forward and backward linkages.