DRI Seizes 231.8 kg Methamphetamine in Assam and Tripura, Three Arrested
The DRI has seized 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets in Assam and Tripura and arrested three people, in one of the North-East's largest such operations.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets and arrested three people, in what is being described as one of the largest drug hauls in the North-East. The contraband is estimated to have an illicit street value running into several hundred crore rupees.
The operation, carried out on 15 September 2026, was intelligence-led and involved coordinated surveillance followed by simultaneous interceptions at multiple locations across Assam and Tripura. Four trucks suspected of transporting the drugs were intercepted.
In the first action, a truck was stopped at Ramnathpur in Assam, about 100 km from Silchar, with assistance from the 38 Battalion of the Assam Rifles. A second truck carrying a similar consignment was located nearby, though neither its driver nor its handyman was present. Searches of the two vehicles yielded 275 packets weighing 55 kg and 271 packets weighing 54.2 kg respectively — a total of 109.2 kg of pinkish-orangish tablets suspected to be methamphetamine, all concealed in the roof of the driver's cabin. Both vehicles were seized under the NDPS Act and one person was arrested.
In a parallel action, a goods carrier declared to be carrying cement, moving from Khowai towards Agartala, was intercepted at Teliamura, roughly 45 km from Agartala, with help from the 28 Battalion of the Assam Rifles. Examination revealed 295 plastic packets containing 72.6 kg of similar tablets hidden in the roof of the driver's cabin. The contraband and vehicle were seized and the driver arrested.
Intelligence gathered during the operation then led officers to intercept another truck linked to the same syndicate near Panisagar in Tripura. A search recovered 50 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, also concealed within the vehicle. The contraband and truck were seized and the driver arrested.
All four trucks used to move the contraband have been seized. The haul follows two DRI operations in August 2026 near Silchar and in Mizoram, in which 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets were seized from vehicles.