Chennai/New Delhi, Aug 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday executed coordinated searches at 13 locations—eight in Tamil Nadu and five in Mizoram—linked to the seizure of more than 6 kg of methamphetamine from a Myanmar-flagged boat near Barren Island in the Bay of Bengal in November 2024, the agency said in a statement.
Operation and recoveries
NIA teams carried out the searches to collect further evidence and digital material for forensic examination as part of a probe that seeks to trace the wider trafficking network behind the consignment. During the raids, authorities seized multiple digital devices for analysis and recovered substantial amounts of cash in different currencies at several locations.
- In Chennai, investigators recovered ₹71 lakh, USD 53,500 and Myanmar Kyat 1,50,000.
- In Champhai, Mizoram, the agency said it found ₹22.38 lakh.
- In Aizawl, another ₹20.73 lakh was recovered.
The NIA described the searches as 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 links between the seized methamphetamine and international drug syndicates, the statement said.
Case origin and earlier action
The matter originated after Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police recovered the illegal drug consignment, a satellite phone and other items from a Myanmarese boat near Barren Island in November 2024 and registered a case. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested and were chargesheeted by the Andaman and Nicobar Police on 27 March 2025 under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.
The NIA later took over the investigation and re-registered the case on 11 August 2025. The six accused remain in judicial custody, the agency said.
“The searches form part of ongoing efforts to unravel a larger transnational narcotics trafficking network and identify other individuals involved in the conspiracy,”
said the NIA in its release, signalling a probe focused on supply chains and foreign links rather than a localised offence.
Forensic focus and next steps
Seized digital devices will undergo forensic examination to map communications, financial transactions and movement of personnel. The agency said the action is aimed at identifying additional persons involved in the trafficking chain and securing evidence to connect the consignment to broader international networks.
Investigators will also require cross-border cooperation and forensic tracing to ascertain the origin of the drugs, routes used for transhipment and possible links to organised groups operating in southeast Asia. The presence of a satellite phone in the original seizure has already indicated the possibility of coordinated maritime movements and remote communications between operators.
Implications for Tamil Nadu and the region
The raids underline the role of Tamil Nadu and the eastern seaboard as areas of interest in maritime narcotics trafficking. Chennai’s recovery of large amounts in cash—across Indian and foreign currencies—highlights the financial dimension of such operations and will likely prompt further scrutiny of money flows and hawala-style mechanisms used by traffickers.
Law-enforcement agencies in the region have increasingly flagged the trafficking of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine, as a growing threat. The NIA’s involvement elevates the probe to a federal level, allowing for broader investigative powers and interstate coordination.
What authorities have said
The NIA statement confirmed the seizures and described the searches as part of a continuing probe; it did not name individuals or give precise locations beyond the city-level recoveries cited. Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend additional suspects.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Seized drug | Over 6 kg methamphetamine (original seizure) |
| Initial seizure location | Near Barren Island, Bay of Bengal (Nov 2024) |
| Searches conducted | 13 locations (8 in Tamil Nadu, 5 in Mizoram) |
| Cash recovered (highlights) | Chennai: ₹71 lakh, USD 53,500, Myanmar Kyat 1,50,000; Champhai: ₹22.38 lakh; Aizawl: ₹20.73 lakh |
| Arrests | Six Myanmar nationals arrested earlier; currently in judicial custody |
The agency did not disclose whether new arrests had been made during Wednesday’s searches. Further updates are expected as forensic examinations proceed and the probe seeks to trace the wider network that moved the consignments through maritime routes.
The case highlights evolving challenges for coastal security and cross-border narcotics control, and is likely to prompt closer coordination among central and state agencies engaged in counter-narcotics operations.
