NCB dismantles transnational drug syndicate, arrests Myanmar-based “kingpin”

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted an international drug trafficking syndicate with the arrest in Manipur of its alleged ringleader operating from Haichin in Myanmar’s Chin State, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

“Nengzatuan alias Tuanpi was nabbed in Manipur’s Churachandpur. Investigation revealed that he was one of the major international suppliers operating from Chin State and controlled a smuggling network that routed methamphetamine and heroin for distribution to different parts of India and Bangladesh via Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura,” the NCB said.

The accused is wanted in three cases registered by the NCB and is also linked to seven other cases initiated by the Churachandpur police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The NCB cases include seizures of around 28.22 kg of methamphetamine tablets and close to 1.28 kg of heroin valued at over ₹25 crore.

According to the NCB, the syndicate operated through a well-organized network of international suppliers, cross-border couriers, transport coordinators, local facilitators, buyers and financial processors. It has so far been linked to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin and proceeds of crime totaling over ₹ 53 crore.

Over the past few months, the NCB has busted several unions with the arrest of key accused, including carriers, consignees, transport coordinators and local facilitators operating in Manipur and Assam.

These include Abdullah Ahmed of Silchar in Assam, who allegedly acted as the main consignee and coordinator of consignments entering the State; Lalthlamuong Pulamte from Churachandpur; Nengultinkhum Hrangngul from Pherzawl in Manipur; and Paominlen Munlo of Churachandpur, the suspected recipient of a large seizure of methamphetamine.

In addition, many people involved in the transportation, storage and distribution of drug shipments were arrested. Their interrogations, backed by technical surveillance, digital evidence and financial investigation, helped the agency focus on Nengzatuan, a major Myanmar-based supplier that routed the syndicate across the international border.

“Nengzatuan’s arrest followed the arrest of Lalhmingsanga in March 2026 and Thancintuang, alias Chintuang, alias Tluanga, in May 2026,” the NCB said.