Assam has recorded its biggest drug seizure by value after Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered 109.2 kg of Yaba tablets estimated to be worth Rs 327 crore from Hailakandi district. The massive consignment was seized during a joint intelligence-based operation conducted in the Ramnathpur area between September 15 and 16. One person was arrested in connection with the recovery as agencies began investigating the origin of the consignment, its intended destination and the trafficking network behind it.
546 packets recovered
Acting on specific intelligence, personnel from Assam Rifles and DRI, Silchar, launched the coordinated operation in Ramnathpur and recovered 546 packets containing Yaba tablets. The packets together weighed 109.2 kg. Officials estimated the value of the seized narcotics at approximately Rs 327 crore, making it the largest drug haul recorded in Assam in terms of value. The person apprehended during the operation was handed over along with the seized contraband for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Trafficking links probed
Investigators are expected to examine whether the consignment was part of a larger interstate or cross-border narcotics network operating through the Northeast. Assam’s geographical position makes it an important transit point for security agencies combating narcotics trafficking from areas adjoining the international borders and onward movement towards other parts of the country. Yaba, generally containing methamphetamine and caffeine, has emerged as one of the major synthetic narcotics trafficked through the region.
Crackdown intensifies
The record seizure comes amid an intensified anti-narcotics campaign across Assam, with state and central agencies carrying out coordinated operations against drug trafficking networks. Security agencies have repeatedly intercepted consignments of synthetic drugs, heroin and other narcotics moving through the Northeast, with intelligence-sharing becoming central to efforts to identify trafficking routes and dismantle supply chains.
The latest operation is significant not only because of the value of the contraband recovered but also because of the sheer quantity of Yaba seized in a single operation. Investigators will now seek to identify other people connected with the consignment and trace the wider network responsible for transporting the drugs into Hailakandi.