6 days ago
Assam Warns of New Myanmar Drug Trafficking Route
Assam says drug smugglers may be using a new path to bring drugs from Myanmar into India.
The route reportedly passes through Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh and ends in Tinsukia, Assam.
Police learned about it after arresting drug peddlers.
Officials recently seized drugs worth about Rs 80 crore.
The drugs were reportedly going to be transported to Punjab.
Assam’s chief minister called the new route very worrying.
He said authorities will continue searching for drug networks.
Arunachal Pradesh has also begun a large crackdown on illegal drugs.
The route is difficult to monitor because the border area is remote and rugged.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a new drug route runs from Myanmar through Changlang district to Tinsukia.
The route was revealed by recently arrested drug peddlers, officials said.
Authorities recently seized drugs worth around Rs 80 crore that were allegedly headed for Punjab.
Sarma called the emerging corridor a “very worrying signal” for Upper Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh has intensified its crackdown on illicit drugs and arrested several alleged peddlers.
- Who
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh authorities, and recently arrested drug peddlers.
- What
- Authorities reported the emergence of a drug-trafficking corridor from Myanmar through Changlang district to Tinsukia in Assam.
- Where
- The reported corridor runs from Myanmar through Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh to Tinsukia in Assam, with drugs allegedly destined for Punjab.
- When
- The warning was issued on Wednesday; authorities said major seizures occurred in recent weeks.
- Why
- Sarma said drug networks may be attempting a new route after facing intensified enforcement along earlier trafficking routes.
Key facts
- Reported route
- Myanmar–Changlang district–Tinsukia
- Earlier route
- Myanmar through Moreh in Manipur
- Recent seizure
- Drugs valued at around Rs 80 crore
- Intended destination
- Punjab
- Official assessment
- A very worrying signal for Upper Assam
- Enforcement
- Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have intensified narcotics crackdowns
- Regional context
- The border area is remote, rugged and porous, according to the article
Quotes
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister of Assam
“Wary of our relentless crackdown on drugs, the mafia is now attempting a new route from Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh. Let this be a clear warning: routes may change, but our resolve will not. We will hunt down every drug network and strike hard wherever they operate.”
NDTV
“Earlier, drugs had been coming from Myanmar to the Moreh, Manipur route. But now a new route has emerged from Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district to Tinsukia. The drug peddlers who were recently arrested revealed the new route of drug trade.”
NDTV





