GUWAHATI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled a major India-Myanmar transnational drug trafficking syndicate with the arrest of its principal Myanmar-based kingpin, marking the third such high-profile arrest this year in its crackdown on cross-border narcotics networks.
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The accused, identified as Nengzatuan alias Tuanpi, a resident of Haichin in Myanmar's Chin State, was arrested from Churachandpur district in Manipur following months of intelligence gathering, technical surveillance and coordinated operations involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to the NCB, Nengzatuan was one of the principal international suppliers operating from Chin State, overseeing a drug trafficking network that smuggled methamphetamine tablets and heroin through Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura for distribution across different parts of India and Bangladesh.
Investigators said the accused is wanted in multiple cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He is the principal accused in three NCB cases involving seizures of around 28.22 kg of methamphetamine tablets and 1.278 kg of heroin, collectively valued at more than ₹25 crore. He is also linked to seven other NDPS cases registered by Churachandpur Police, Singngat Police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The NCB said the syndicate functioned through a well-organised network comprising international suppliers, cross-border couriers, transport coordinators, local facilitators, receivers and financial handlers. Investigators have so far linked the network to seizures of narcotics and proceeds of crime collectively valued at over ₹53 crore, while financial investigations are continuing to trace additional assets and members of the syndicate.
The latest arrest follows a series of intelligence-led operations in recent months that led to the apprehension of several key operatives across Manipur and Assam. Those arrested include Abdullah Ahmed of Silchar, who allegedly served as the principal receiver and coordinator of drug consignments entering Assam, along with Lalthlamuong Pulamte, Nengultinkhum Hrangngul and Paominlen Munlo from Manipur, besides several other associates involved in transportation, storage and distribution.
According to the NCB, interrogations, technical surveillance, digital evidence and financial investigations helped investigators identify Nengzatuan as the principal Myanmar-based supplier directing the syndicate from across the international border.
The arrest comes after the earlier apprehension of two other Myanmar-based traffickers, Lalhmingsanga in March 2026 and Thancintuang alias Chintuang alias Tluanga in May 2026.
The NCB said the successive arrests reflect its strategy of targeting the leadership of transnational drug trafficking syndicates rather than merely intercepting drug consignments. The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised narcotics networks operating along the India-Myanmar border through intelligence-driven investigations and coordinated enforcement with national and international agencies.
The Bureau has also appealed to the public to share information related to narcotics through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933) or the MANAS portal to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking.