Mizoram cops seize narcotics worth Rs 10 crore; one arrested

Aizawl: In two separate operations across Mizoram, police officers have seized heroin and methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 10.60 crore, while arresting a Myanmar national, IGP (Headquarters) H Ramthlengliana said on Saturday.

In a statement, Ramthlengliana, who is also the chief public relation officer of the state police, said a special team was checking vehicles at N Chhimluang village in Kolasib district on Wednesday, when they signalled a truck, bearing an Assam registration number, to stop. However, as the team was busy checking other vehicles, the driver and the assistant fled, leaving the truck behind, the statement said.

While the cops failed to nab either of them after a brief pursuit, heroin, weighing 900.29 grams, and worth Rs. 1.80 crore, was seized from two special cavities near the gear lever, which was prised open with the help of a mechanic.

The truck, as well as two mobile phones which were left behind by the duo, has been seized, while a case has been registered at Vairengte police station under section 21(c)/25 of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

In another seizure, Champhai district police, on grounds of suspicion, detained one vehicle at a police check-gate, leading to the recovery of 10.818 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 8 crore and 75 grams of heroin worth Rs 15 lakh.

One Zardawngkima (36) of Tuidil village in Myanmar, who was driving the vehicle, has been arrested.