GUWAHATI:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested the kingpin of one of the biggest transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Myanmar border.

In a statement on Sunday (May 17, 2026), the NCB said Thachintuang, also known as Chintuang and Tluanga, was caught in Delhi recently following extensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, interstate coordination, and sustained follow-up operations.

“Chintuang emerged as one of the most significant traffickers operating along the Myanmar-Mizoram-Manipur-Assam-Tripura corridor and was identified as a major international supplier of methamphetamine and heroin operating from Myanmar,” an NCB officer posted in the northeast said.

“Investigations revealed his extensive involvement in organising cross-border trafficking networks routing narcotic consignments through Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura into various parts of India and Bangladesh,” he said. Chintuang was wanted in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by the NCB and several Drug Law Enforcement Agencies.

Further investigation revealed that Chintuang was also accused in two NDPS cases registered by Champhai Police in 2025 relating to suspected trafficking of methamphetamine and heroin. He was additionally found involved in six NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department in 2023, linked to heroin trafficking activities.

Identifying associates

“Investigations indicate his involvement in illicit drug trafficking networks valued at approximately ₹115 crore. He is linked to seven NDPS cases connected with the Myanmar-Mizoram-Tripura/Assam corridor and is also suspected in five additional cases associated with the Myanmar-Manipur-Assam route,” the NCB statement read.

Chintuang was the prime accused in a 2024 NCB Agartala Zone case involving the seizure of 14 kg of methamphetamine and 2.8 kg of heroin. He was also the prime accused in another NCB Agartala Zone case of 2025 involving the seizure of 49.1 kg methamphetamine tablets, where nine traffickers had already been arrested before his apprehension.

During the investigation, the NCB identified and apprehended several syndicate members and close associates of Chintuang. Among them, Vungkhanthawna, identified as a close associate and key facilitator, played a major role in coordinating movement and delivery of narcotic consignments linked to the Myanmar-based trafficking network.

Vungkhanthawna was arrested during follow-up operations and found to be involved in another NDPS case registered by the Mizoram police. Considering his continued involvement in illicit trafficking activities, proceedings under the PITNDPS Act were initiated against him.

Hawala operations

Another associate, Lalrampari, functioned as a major hawala operator responsible for handling and channelling proceeds generated through illicit drug trafficking activities of the syndicate. The NCB arrested her on August 8, 2024.

The investigation revealed hawala transactions amounting to nearly ₹100 crore linked to the network, following which the matter was shared with the Enforcement Directorate. Properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking were subsequently frozen.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Abu Saleh, alias Saifuddin, in southern Assam’s Cachar on November 20, 2025. He was identified as a major Indian operative and logistics coordinator associated with Chintuang’s network, involved in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances across the Assam corridor.

Saleh was linked to multiple NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram police and the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department, officials said.

One of the key accused arrested in the 2025 Agartala Zone case was Jabrul from southern Assam’s Karimganj, connected to Chintuang’s transnational trafficking network. He was apprehended on December 3, 2025, along with an additional consignment of narcotic drugs.

Investigation revealed his active role in interstate trafficking operations and the coordination of drug movements through the Tripura-Assam route. Officials said he was also found involved in multiple NDPS cases registered by the Tripura police and the NCB.

Attaching assets

“Financial investigation in the cases led to identification and temporary freezing of multiple bank accounts linked to the accused persons having substantial suspicious transactions connected with drug trafficking proceeds,” the NCB statement read.

The anti-drug bureau initiated “360-degree financial investigations” against drug syndicates to identify and attach assets generated through illicit trafficking. Officials said that properties, bank accounts, and financial proceeds linked to drug trafficking networks are being identified and frozen under provisions of the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to dismantle the financial ecosystem sustaining organised narcotics trafficking.

“Investigation in the cases revealed the existence of a highly organised interstate and international drug trafficking network extending from Myanmar to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. The syndicate utilised multiple trafficking routes, local facilitators, transport coordinators, hawala channels, and financial handlers for smuggling and distribution of Methamphetamine and Heroin across international and interstate borders,” the statement said.

Chintuang was the second major Myanmar-based drug supplier caught by the NCB in 2026.

In the northeastern region, the NCB registered 48 NDPS cases during 2025, resulting in the arrest of 116 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs valued at ₹665 crore in the illicit drug market.

In 2026, NCB has registered 31 NDPS cases so far, resulting in the arrest of 54 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs during sustained enforcement operations across the region.

Published – May 17, 2026 02:15 pm IST

GUWAHATI:
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested the kingpin of one of the biggest transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Myanmar border.

In a statement on Sunday (May 17, 2026), the NCB said Thachintuang, also known as Chintuang and Tluanga, was caught in Delhi recently following extensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, interstate coordination, and sustained follow-up operations.

“Chintuang emerged as one of the most significant traffickers operating along the Myanmar-Mizoram-Manipur-Assam-Tripura corridor and was identified as a major international supplier of methamphetamine and heroin operating from Myanmar,” an NCB officer posted in the northeast said.

“Investigations revealed his extensive involvement in organising cross-border trafficking networks routing narcotic consignments through Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura into various parts of India and Bangladesh,” he said. Chintuang was wanted in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by the NCB and several Drug Law Enforcement Agencies.

Further investigation revealed that Chintuang was also accused in two NDPS cases registered by Champhai Police in 2025 relating to suspected trafficking of methamphetamine and heroin. He was additionally found involved in six NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department in 2023, linked to heroin trafficking activities.

Identifying associates

“Investigations indicate his involvement in illicit drug trafficking networks valued at approximately ₹115 crore. He is linked to seven NDPS cases connected with the Myanmar-Mizoram-Tripura/Assam corridor and is also suspected in five additional cases associated with the Myanmar-Manipur-Assam route,” the NCB statement read.

Chintuang was the prime accused in a 2024 NCB Agartala Zone case involving the seizure of 14 kg of methamphetamine and 2.8 kg of heroin. He was also the prime accused in another NCB Agartala Zone case of 2025 involving the seizure of 49.1 kg methamphetamine tablets, where nine traffickers had already been arrested before his apprehension.

During the investigation, the NCB identified and apprehended several syndicate members and close associates of Chintuang. Among them, Vungkhanthawna, identified as a close associate and key facilitator, played a major role in coordinating movement and delivery of narcotic consignments linked to the Myanmar-based trafficking network.

Vungkhanthawna was arrested during follow-up operations and found to be involved in another NDPS case registered by the Mizoram police. Considering his continued involvement in illicit trafficking activities, proceedings under the PITNDPS Act were initiated against him.

Hawala operations

Another associate, Lalrampari, functioned as a major hawala operator responsible for handling and channelling proceeds generated through illicit drug trafficking activities of the syndicate. The NCB arrested her on August 8, 2024.

The investigation revealed hawala transactions amounting to nearly ₹100 crore linked to the network, following which the matter was shared with the Enforcement Directorate. Properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking were subsequently frozen.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Abu Saleh, alias Saifuddin, in southern Assam’s Cachar on November 20, 2025. He was identified as a major Indian operative and logistics coordinator associated with Chintuang’s network, involved in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances across the Assam corridor.

Saleh was linked to multiple NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram police and the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department, officials said.

One of the key accused arrested in the 2025 Agartala Zone case was Jabrul from southern Assam’s Karimganj, connected to Chintuang’s transnational trafficking network. He was apprehended on December 3, 2025, along with an additional consignment of narcotic drugs.

Investigation revealed his active role in interstate trafficking operations and the coordination of drug movements through the Tripura-Assam route. Officials said he was also found involved in multiple NDPS cases registered by the Tripura police and the NCB.

Attaching assets

“Financial investigation in the cases led to identification and temporary freezing of multiple bank accounts linked to the accused persons having substantial suspicious transactions connected with drug trafficking proceeds,” the NCB statement read.

The anti-drug bureau initiated “360-degree financial investigations” against drug syndicates to identify and attach assets generated through illicit trafficking. Officials said that properties, bank accounts, and financial proceeds linked to drug trafficking networks are being identified and frozen under provisions of the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to dismantle the financial ecosystem sustaining organised narcotics trafficking.

“Investigation in the cases revealed the existence of a highly organised interstate and international drug trafficking network extending from Myanmar to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. The syndicate utilised multiple trafficking routes, local facilitators, transport coordinators, hawala channels, and financial handlers for smuggling and distribution of Methamphetamine and Heroin across international and interstate borders,” the statement said.

Chintuang was the second major Myanmar-based drug supplier caught by the NCB in 2026.

In the northeastern region, the NCB registered 48 NDPS cases during 2025, resulting in the arrest of 116 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs valued at ₹665 crore in the illicit drug market.

In 2026, NCB has registered 31 NDPS cases so far, resulting in the arrest of 54 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs during sustained enforcement operations across the region.

Published – May 17, 2026 02:15 pm IST

Bhopal:

The Madhya Pradesh factory where Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized drugs valued over Rs 1,800 crore was registered as a soap manufacturing unit.

The unit located in Bagroda Industrial Enclave, around 10 km from Bhopal, was rented out to a third person.

“Land was allotted for setting up a soap manufacturing unit, where different types of chemicals were supposed to be used, however, it was given on rent to a third party,” Bhopal Police Commissioner, Harinarayanchari Mishra, said.

48 hours later, the raids are still on.

Two people – Sanyal Prakash Bane and Amit Chaturvedi – were arrested earlier. On Monday, the cops arrested a third suspect, Harish Anjana, from Mandsaur district, around 350 km from Bhopal and handed him to Gujarat ATS for further interrogation. An FIR has been registered against the factory owners.

The factory, which had been rented six months ago, is at the centre of investigations.

Officers have been scouring the site, searching through scattered chemical bottles, and seizing evidence as part of the ongoing operation.

The suspects were on the radar of Gujarat ATS for over a month.

The suspicion turned into certainty when officers discovered that the factory’s ventilation system was connected to the ground level, a method rarely seen in typical industrial operations where ventilation is usually placed on the roof.

The accused had also reportedly sourced raw materials for drug production from Vapi, Gujarat, located nearly 700 kilometre from Bhopal.

The accused were allegedly using cryptocurrency to conduct transactions and were planning to send drug consignments to the UK and Dubai, say police.

During interrogation, Harish Anjana confessed to supplying the chemical used for manufacturing MD (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) drugs through the Gujarat-Maharashtra route, the police added.

The Political Row

As investigation continues, the case has taken a political turn. The Congress has criticized the ruling BJP after images surfaced of one of the accused, Harish Anjana, with Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda.

Congress leader Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of having links with the drug mafia, pointing to the photograph as evidence of the association.

“The state is number one in drug business, and the mafia operates under the government’s protection,” alleged Mr Patwari.

He further alleged that BJP Yuva Morcha leaders were connected to drug trafficking operations and questioned the government’s role in allowing such activities to thrive.

Manoj Singh, DIG, Ratlam Range, said: “So far, no information has surfaced linking Harish to any political leader or police officer. However, the police are thoroughly investigating all such possibilities, and any leads in this direction will be closely examined.”

In response, BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh BJP President VD Sharma, dismissed the allegations. Mr Sharma stated that simply having a photo with a public figure does not imply any connection to criminal activities. He accused Congress of attempting to malign the state’s reputation and demoralize the police.

“Many people take photos with political leaders, but that doesn’t mean they are connected to their actions. Congress is trying to defame Madhya Pradesh with lies and deceit,” Mr Sharma said.

He also praised the police for their successful operation and assured the public that the accused will face stringent legal action.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also addressed the controversy, asserting that the photo does not imply any connection between him and the accused.

“A criminal cannot be exonerated simply by being photographed with a political figure. Stringent action must be taken against criminals, and I have no ties with such individuals. Congress should focus on its own internal matters before leveling baseless allegations,” he said.

Mr Devda added that both the party and he fully support law enforcement and that no criminal will be spared.

“The law will take its own course, and we will not defend such criminals,” he said.

Questions Galore

As the NCB and ATS continue their investigations, questions are being raised about how such a large-scale drug manufacturing operation could go unnoticed in an industrial area.

The Bagroda Industrial Area houses 423 plots, out of which industries are operating on approximately 125 plots. Despite being in proximity to other industries, neither local authorities nor neighboring workers were aware of the drug factory’s operations.