A coordinated crackdown dubbed “Operation Trident” has dismantled an international drug trafficking network operating across India’s northeastern states, officials said. Raids were carried out simultaneously at 38 locations in Assam, Manipur and Mizoram with central intelligence agencies working alongside state anti-narcotics units.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects. Investigators also seized Rs 12 lakh in cash and 500 detonators, indicating links beyond narcotics distribution.
The Enforcement Directorate said it froze assets worth Rs 17.82 crore and detected illegal hawala transactions valued at about Rs 100 crore. It also reported the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts connected to the network.
According to the findings, the group allegedly moved narcotics through a dangerous cross-border route described as the “Death Triangle Corridor” spanning the India–Myanmar–Bangladesh border areas. The ED said probes also covered individuals facilitating hawala transfers, those allowing bank accounts to be used for trafficking, fake business entities and select bank branches.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the operation reflected the Centre’s resolve to eliminate drug trafficking, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the raids a major setback for international syndicates and reiterated the push towards a drug-free India.
