Nongpoh, March 9: A major cross-border drug trafficking network operating between Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya was busted in a joint operation conducted by law enforcement agencies in Byrnihat near here.
The operation, spearheaded by the Ri Bhoi district Police of Meghalay, marked a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against narcotics trade in the region.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) team of Ri Bhoi District, supported by personnel from Byrnihat Police Station, raided the residence of a notorious drug peddler identified as Kaisikamo from Nagaland. The raid led to seizure of eight soap boxes containing a yellowish-orange powder, confirmed to be heroin upon testing. The seizure amounted to 92.42 grams.
Further investigations led to a collaborative effort between the Shillong ANTF team and personnel from Rynjah Police Station, resulting in the apprehension of two additional suspects, Tilak Rai (32) from Nongmynsong and Mrs. R. Gracy Hraveinai (36) from Laipham Siphai, Imphal, Manipur. Rai was identified as the intended recipient of the contraband, while Hraveinai was allegedly providing financial backing to the operation.
During the arrests, the forces seized Rs. 1,04,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the illegal trade, along with three mobile phones suspected to have been used for coordinating criminal activities.