India Launches 'Operation Trident' to Crack Down on International Narcotics Cartel

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched 'Operation Trident' on October 23, conducting simultaneous raids at 38 locations in Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur, the Press Information Bureau reported.

The operation, which involved 38 teams, targeted an international narcotics cartel and resulted in the seizure of 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash, as well as the arrest of 18 people.

The raids also uncovered ₹100 crore worth of hawala transactions, leading to the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts and the attachment of properties worth ₹17.82 crore.

The network, led by Thangsintuang, also known as Chintuang or Tlhuang, operated through the 'Death Triangle Corridor' along the borders of India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

The operation was a collaborative effort between the NCB, state police forces, and the Enforcement Directorate.

The Indian government has pledged to eradicate all drug networks by December 31, 2029.

Background:

India has been actively combating narcotics trafficking in recent years, with a focus on disrupting the financial networks of cartels.

The 'Death Triangle Corridor' is a notorious route used by smugglers to transport narcotics across the region.

The Indian government has been working to strengthen its anti-narcotics efforts, with a focus on coordination between central agencies and state police forces.