SHILLONG:
In a major operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against organised drug syndicates operating in the North Eastern region, 2.21 kgs of heroin was seized at Mawryngkneng village in East Khasi Hills District on October 20.
The heroin was smuggled through the Indo-Myanmar border and its value in the international illicit market is estimated at Rs 15.54 crore.
Two persons have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
DRI Shillong intercepted a vehicle in which the two suspects were travelling in Mawryngkneng on Thursday early hours.
Rummaging of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 150 soap cases weighing 2.22 kgs of pinkish powder wrapped in polythene sachets from the possession of the suspects, the DRI said in a statement issued on Friday.
Tests conducted with the NDPS field test kit confirmed the presence of heroin in the substance recovered.
It said preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment had come from Manipur and was meant for the Shillong based drug syndicates.
The presence of makeshift secret cavities in the vehicle indicates its usage for trafficking of narcotics in the past as well.
Follow up searches and further investigation is in progress.
In 2022 DRI in the North Eastern Region has seized over 21,000 kgs of narcotics including methamphetamine, cannabis and heroin valued over ₹ 65 crores in the international illicit market.