The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched 13 locations in Tamil Nadu and Mizoram on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) in connection with the seizure of over 6,016 kg of methamphetamine from a Myanmarese boat near the Barren Islands in the Bay of Bengal in November 2024.

Five locations in Mizoram and eight in Tamil Nadu were searched, leading to the seizure of several digital devices, ₹71 lakh in cash, $53,500, and 1,50,000 Myanmar Kyat in Chennai. Additionally ₹22.38 lakh and ₹20.73 lakh was recovered from Champhai and Aizawl.

“The case originated in the seizure of the methamphetamine along with a satellite phone and other articles from the Myanmarese boat near Barren Islands in November 2024, which prompted the Andaman & Nicobar police to register a case,” the agency said.

Six Myanmar nationals were arrested and charge-sheeted by the police on March 27, 2025, under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Foreigners Act. The NIA took charge of the investigation on August 11, 2025; the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was also invoked. The accused persons are currently in judicial custody.

“The searches form part of ongoing efforts to unravel a larger transnational narcotics trafficking network and identify other individuals involved in the conspiracy. The investigation aims to establish connections between the seized methamphetamine and wider international drug syndicates,” the NIA said.

Published - August 12, 2026 10:45 pm IST