The multimillion-dollar narcotics trade originating from Myanmar’s infamous Shan State has increasingly shifted its base of operations to Mizoram, according to records available with the Narcotics Control Bureau.

This shift follows the eruption of violent ethnic clashes between the Kuki-Chin and Meitei tribes in Manipur last year, which disrupted trafficking routes through that state.

The impact of this transition is starkly evident in the escalating drug seizures and arrests reported in Mizoram. Data from the Mizoram Police shows a sharp rise in registered drug-related cases from 101 in 2020 to 338 in 2024. Arrests also surged correspondingly, with 466 persons apprehended in 2024 compared to just 143 in 2020. In the first four months of 2025 alone, 84 cases have already been registered, leading to 115 arrests.

Alarming rise in trafficking of Heroin and synthetic drugs

Heroin seizures in Mizoram highlight the alarming rise in trafficking. From a modest 8.783 kg in 2020, the quantity of heroin confiscated jumped nearly tenfold to 80.814 kg in 2024. Within the first quarter of 2025, 16 kg of heroin has already been seized.

The financial scale of the drug trade in Mizoram has also soared. In 2020, the value of drugs seized stood at Rs 167.8 crore (approx. US$1.96 million). By 2024, this figure had skyrocketed to over Rs 2,116 crore (approx. US$24.7 million). Even between January and April 2025, drugs worth more than Rs 520 crore (US$6 million) have been confiscated.

Particularly concerning is the trafficking of synthetic drugs. Methamphetamine seizures rose from 548.7 kg in 2020 to 627.7 kg in 2024. Refined versions like crystal meth and other illicit substances continue to cross into Mizoram through porous borders with Myanmar.

Multiple smuggling routes have been identified: NCRB

Sources in NCRB said the state’s 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and its 318-km stretch with Bangladesh have proven difficult to monitor effectively.

“Multiple smuggling routes have been identified. One major corridor runs from Thukai in Myanmar’s Chin State to Zokhawthar and Champhai, then onward to Aizawl. Another prominent route originates in Meilet, crossing into Saikhumphai and passing through Vaphai, Khawbung, Serchhip and eventually reaching Aizawl,” said an NCRB officer.

Additional routes extend into Assam and Tripura via Kolasib, Vairengte, Mamit, and Vanghmun. A less frequent but notable channel has been identified between Sinzawl in Manipur and Khawdungsei in Mizoram.

“Six Mizoram districts – Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip – have emerged as key nodes in this expanding narcotics network. Their proximity to Myanmar’s Chin State and strategic location along trafficking routes makes them highly vulnerable to smuggling activities,” said the officer.

Government’s response

In response to the growing crisis, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Anurag Garg visited Aizawl in April 2025 to push for the establishment of a dedicated NCB zonal office in Mizoram. During his meeting with chief minister Lalduhoma, Garg stressed the urgent need for a coordinated crackdown to prevent a Manipur-like destabilisation in Mizoram.

Security agencies have also flagged potential high-level complicity in the drug trade. Sources suggest the involvement of a Delhi-based Mizo businessman and implicate at least two ministers in facilitating the trafficking operations.

Drug Routes and Districts in Focus

The trafficking routes follow complex paths from Myanmar’s Chin State into Mizoram:

• Main Routes:

o Thukai (Myanmar) → Zokhawthar → Champhai → Seling/Zembawk → Aizawl

o Meilet (Myanmar) → Saikhumphai → Vaphai → Khawbung → Serchhip → Aizawl

• Lesser-used Route via Manipur:

o Sinzawl (Manipur) → Khawdungsei → Seling → Aizawl

• Interstate Corridor:

o Aizawl → Kolasib → Vairengte → Silchar (Assam)

o Aizawl → Mamit → Vanghmun (Tripura)

o Aizawl → West Phaileng → Khantlang → Tripura border

Source: NCB