The Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested Thachintuang, also known as Chintuang and Tluanga, in connection with what investigators describe as a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating along the India Myanmar border, with the financial scale of the network under scrutiny estimated at about Rs 115 crore.
Arrest in Delhi After Months of Surveillance
NCB officials said the accused was arrested in Delhi after months of surveillance, intelligence gathering, interstate coordination and follow up operations. Investigators claim he was among the most significant drug traffickers active in Northeast India and was allegedly involved in the supply of methamphetamine and heroin from Myanmar into India through multiple cross border routes.
According to the agency, the network operated through the Myanmar Mizoram Manipur Assam Tripura corridor and extended into several Indian states as well as Bangladesh. Officials said Chintuang was wanted in multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act by the NCB and other anti drug enforcement agencies.
He had been named in two NDPS cases registered by Champhai Police in Mizoram in 2025 involving suspected trafficking of methamphetamine and heroin. Officials also said his alleged involvement had surfaced in six heroin trafficking cases registered by the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department in 2023.
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Multiple Cases and Seizures Linked to Syndicate
Investigators said the accused is linked to at least seven NDPS cases connected to the Myanmar Mizoram Tripura or Assam corridor and five additional cases associated with trafficking routes passing through Myanmar, Manipur and Assam. NCB officials identified him as the prime accused in a 2024 Agartala Zone case involving the seizure of 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2.8 kilograms of heroin.
In another major 2025 case, investigators allegedly recovered 49.1 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets. Officials said nine traffickers linked to that case had already been arrested before Chintuang’s apprehension.
The probe has also led to the identification of several alleged associates and facilitators. Among them is Vungkhanthawna, described by investigators as a key coordinator who arranged the movement and delivery of narcotics consignments linked to the Myanmar based network. He was arrested in follow up operations and was allegedly found involved in another NDPS case registered by Mizoram Police. Proceedings have also been initiated against him under the PITNDPS Act.
Hawala Channels and Logistics Network Under Scanner
NCB officials said another associate, Lalrampari, was identified as a major hawala operator allegedly handling proceeds generated through the syndicate’s narcotics activities. She was arrested in August 2024. During the financial investigation, agencies reportedly uncovered hawala transactions worth nearly Rs 100 crore linked to the network.
Following those findings, details of the case were shared with the Enforcement Directorate, and several suspected properties and financial assets were frozen. In another related operation, investigators arrested Abu Saleh, also known as Saifuddin, from Assam’s Cachar district in November 2025. Officials described him as a major Indian operative and logistics coordinator responsible for transportation and distribution of narcotics through the Assam corridor.
Another accused, identified as Jabrul from Assam’s Karimganj district, was arrested in December 2025 along with an additional narcotics consignment. Investigators alleged that he played an active role in interstate trafficking operations and coordinated drug movement through the Tripura Assam route. The NCB said it has launched what it described as 360 degree financial investigations aimed at dismantling the economic structure behind the network. Officials added that more arrests and further financial disclosures could emerge as the investigation progresses.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
