NCB busts multinational drug syndicate, arrests ‘king’ based in Myanmar

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a multinational drug smuggling syndicate in Manipur by arresting its alleged ringleader who was operating from Haichin in Myanmar’s Chin state, the agency said on Wednesday (22 Jul 2026).

“Nengzatuan alias Tuanpi was arrested from Churachandpur, Manipur. Investigation revealed that he was one of the main international suppliers operating from Chin State and controlled a trade network that routed methamphetamine and heroin through Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura for distribution to various parts of India and Bangladesh,” NCB said.

The accused is wanted in three cases registered by the NCB and is also linked to seven other cases initiated by the Churachandpur police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The NCB cases include the seizure of about 28.22 kg of methamphetamine tablets and nearly 1.28 kg of heroin worth over ₹25 crore.

According to the NCB, the syndicate operated through a well-organized network of international suppliers, cross-border couriers, transport coordinators, local intermediaries, consignees and financial processors. So far, it has been linked to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin and proceeds of crime with a cumulative value of over ₹53 million.

Over the past few months, the NCB has busted several syndicates by arresting key accused persons, including transporters, receivers, transport coordinators and local brokers operating in Manipur and Assam.

Among them are Abdullah Ahmed of Silchar in Assam, who allegedly functioned as the main consignee and coordinator of consignments entering the state; Lalthlamuong Pulamte of Churachandpur; Nengultinkhum Hrangngul of Pherzawl in Manipur; and Paominlen Munlo of Churachandpur, the suspected recipient in a large-scale methamphetamine bust.

In addition, many others involved in the transportation, storage and distribution of narcotic shipments have been arrested. Their interrogation, corroborated by technical surveillance, digital evidence and financial investigations, helped the agency focus on Nengzatuan, the main supplier based in Myanmar who runs the syndicate across the international border.

“The arrest of Nengzatuan follows the earlier arrests of Lalhmingsanga in March 2026 and Thancintuang alias Chintuang alias Tluanga in May 2026,” the NCB said.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 08:13 IST