₹1.14 Crore, USD 53,500 Seized in NIA Meth Trafficking Probe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at 13 locations across Tamil Nadu and Mizoram as part of its investigation into a suspected transnational methamphetamine trafficking network.

According to the agency, its teams searched eight locations in Tamil Nadu and five in Mizoram in connection with the seizure of more than 6 kg of methamphetamine from a Myanmarese boat near Barren Island in the Bay of Bengal in November 2024.

The coordinated searches led to the recovery of substantial amounts of cash and foreign currency. In Chennai, investigators seized ₹71 lakh, USD 53,500 and Myanmar Kyat 1.5 lakh. Another ₹22.38 lakh was recovered from a location in Champhai, while ₹20.73 lakh was seized in Aizawl.

The NIA also confiscated several digital devices, which will undergo forensic examination to help investigators trace communications and identify other members of the alleged trafficking network.

The case dates back to November 2024, when Andaman and Nicobar Police intercepted a Myanmarese boat near Barren Island and recovered methamphetamine, a satellite phone and other material. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested in connection with the seizure and were later chargesheeted on March 27, 2025, under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The NIA subsequently took over the investigation and re-registered the case on August 11, 2025. The accused are currently in judicial custody.

The latest searches are aimed at uncovering the wider conspiracy behind the drug consignment and establishing possible links between the seized methamphetamine and international narcotics syndicates.

The agency said its investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals suspected of involvement in the trafficking network. Further action is expected as investigators analyse the seized digital evidence and financial records.