This report provides an in-depth analysis of drug seizures from 2000 to 2025, highlighting major busts, patterns in drug trafficking, the most affected states, and the role of law enforcement agencies in combating the narcotics trade.
Issued by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)
The North East region of India, sharing a long and porous border with Myanmar, has emerged as a crucial transit route for narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opium. The region’s difficult terrain and limited enforcement infrastructure have made it a hotspot for drug trafficking, often involving transnational syndicates and local criminal networks.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of drug seizures from 2000 to 2025, highlighting major busts, patterns in drug trafficking, the most affected states, and the role of law enforcement agencies in combating the narcotics trade.
Major Drug Seizures: A Timeline (2000-2025)
2000-2010: Initial Crackdowns
2001 – Nagaland
Seizure: 20 kg heroin
Arrested: Local traffickers
Seized by: Nagaland Police, Dimapur District
Details: Major seizure in Dimapur, a key trade center in Nagaland.
2005 – Mizoram
Seizure: 10 kg methamphetamine
Arrested: Myanmar nationals
Seized by: Mizoram Police, Champhai District
Details: Drugs trafficked from Myanmar through Champhai.
2009 – Manipur
Seizure: 50 kg heroin
Arrested: Two Myanmar nationals
Seized by: Manipur Police, Imphal District
Details: Heroin intercepted at the Imphal border.
2011-2020: Escalation in Trafficking
2011 – Nagaland & Manipur
Seizure: 75 kg heroin, 30 kg methamphetamine
Arrested: Three individuals, two from Myanmar
Seized by: Nagaland & Manipur Police
Details: A coordinated operation in Dimapur and Imphal.
2015 – Manipur
Seizure: 150 kg opium
Arrested: Two locals, one Myanmar national
Seized by: Manipur Police, Moreh District
Details: Seized at Moreh, a key border town.
2019 – Manipur
Seizure: 250 kg heroin
Arrested: Three individuals (two Myanmar nationals)
Seized by: Manipur Police, Moreh District
Details: One of the largest heroin seizures in the region.
2020-2025: Intensified Enforcement
2020 – Mizoram
Seizure: 500 kg methamphetamine
Arrested: Four Myanmar nationals, two locals
Seized by: Mizoram Police, Champhai District
Details: Joint operation with the Indian Army.
2023 – Mizoram
Seizure: 200 kg heroin
Arrested: Myanmar nationals and local operatives
Seized by: Mizoram Police, Aizawl
Details: Bust of a Myanmar-based drug cartel.
2025 – Manipur
Seizure: 80 kg heroin
Arrested: Four individuals, including two Myanmar nationals
Seized by: Narcotics Control Bureau & Manipur Police
Details: Large-scale operation near the Myanmar border.
Key Observations and Trends
Rising Methamphetamine Seizures – Methamphetamine trafficking has significantly increased post-2015, surpassing traditional opiates like heroin.
State with Highest Seizures: Mizoram – Champhai and Aizawl districts are major transit hubs, with Mizoram recording the highest volume of drug seizures.
Persistent Drug Trafficking Hotspots – Moreh (Manipur), Champhai (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland) remain crucial trafficking points.
Increase in Cross-Border Syndicates – A sharp rise in Myanmar-based trafficking groups collaborating with local networks.
Between 2000 and 2025, North East India has seen a dramatic surge in drug seizures, highlighting its critical role in international narcotics trade routes. While law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts, transnational drug syndicates continue to exploit the region’s porous borders.
To curb the growing menace, a multi-pronged strategy involving enhanced border security, increased surveillance, and greater inter-agency collaboration is imperative. Sustained vigilance and international cooperation remain crucial in addressing the evolving challenges of drug trafficking in North East India.
Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Seizures in North East India (2000-2025)