The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a multi-search operation at 13 locations in Mizoram and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday in connection with the seizure of 6016.87 kg of Methamphetamine from a Myanmarese boat near Barren Islands in the Bay of Bengal in November 2024.
The searches were carried out in 13 locations, including five in Mizoram and eight in Tamil Nadu. Several digital devices were seized during the coordinated operation by NIA teams for further forensic analysis to uncover the complete network involved.
During the searches, Rs. 71 lakh, USD 53,500 and Myanmar Kyat 1,50,000 were recovered in Chennai, while Rs. 22.38 lakh and Rs. 20.73 lakh were recovered from locations in Champhai and Aizawl, respectively.
The case originated following the seizure of the Methamphetamine along with a satellite phone and other articles from the Myanmarese boat near Barren Islands in November 2024, which prompted Andaman and Nicobar Police to register a case. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested and subsequently chargesheeted by Andaman and Nicobar Police on March 27, 2025 under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.
The investigation was taken over by NIA, which re-registered the case as RC-16/2025/NIA/DLI on August 11, 2025 under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Foreigners Act, 1946, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The accused persons are currently in judicial custody.
The searches form part of ongoing efforts to unravel a larger transnational narcotics trafficking network and identify other individuals involved in the conspiracy. The investigation aims to establish connections between the seized consignment of Methamphetamine and wider international drug syndicates.
Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the narcotics trafficking network.
