The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at 13 locations across Mizoram and Tamil Nadu in connection with the probe into the November 2024 seizure of a large consignment of methamphetamine from a Myanmarese boat near the Barren Islands in the Bay of Bengal, officials said.
Raids, items recovered and the ongoing probe
Officials said the searches — five in Mizoram and eight in Tamil Nadu — resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices and substantial sums of money. In Chennai, investigators recovered ₹71 lakh, $53,500 and 1,50,000 Myanmar Kyat, while searches in Champhai and Aizawl yielded ₹22.38 lakh and ₹20.73 lakh respectively.
The NIA took over the case on August 11, 2025, after the Andaman & Nicobar police registered an FIR following the discovery of a satellite phone, other articles and what was later confirmed as a huge consignment of methamphetamine in November 2024. The boat was intercepted near the Barren Islands, prompting a multi‑agency inquiry.
“The searches form part of ongoing efforts to unravel a larger transnational narcotics trafficking network and identify other individuals involved in the conspiracy,” the agency said.
Six Myanmar nationals, arrested in connection with the seizure, were subsequently charge‑sheeted on March 27, 2025, under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Foreigners Act. The NIA said those accused persons remain in judicial custody.
Scale of the original seizure and investigation milestones
The central element of the case remains the November 2024 seizure of over 6,016 kg of methamphetamine from the Myanmarese boat, an amount that prompted investigation into possible international trafficking links. After the Andaman & Nicobar police registered the case, the NIA assumed control of the probe in August 2025 and has since invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the matter.
Investigators said the searches carried out on August 12, 2026 are aimed at identifying additional persons and financial trails associated with the alleged transnational network. The agency recovered multiple digital devices during the raids; forensic analysis of these items is likely to form a central part of the continuing inquiry.
What was recovered during Wednesday's searches
- Electronic devices seized for forensic examination
- Cash and foreign currency recovered in Chennai, Champhai and Aizawl
- Further evidentiary material being collated to map alleged trafficking links
| Location | Items / Cash recovered |
|---|---|
| Chennai (Tamil Nadu) | ₹71 lakh, $53,500, 1,50,000 Myanmar Kyat, digital devices |
| Champhai (Mizoram) | ₹22.38 lakh |
| Aizawl (Mizoram) | ₹20.73 lakh |
Investigators did not provide details of the identities of those whose premises were searched on Wednesday. The NIA indicated the operation forms part of a broader effort to trace the distribution and financial networks that may have facilitated the maritime consignment.
Legal measures and custody
Following the initial seizure, six Myanmarese nationals were arrested and later produced in court; they were charge‑sheeted in March 2025 under narcotics and immigration statutes. After the NIA assumed control, additional central statutes including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were reportedly invoked. Those accused remain in judicial custody as the agency continues its enquiries.
The NIA said the present searches were intended to establish links between the seized consignment and alleged international syndicates, and to identify other individuals who may have played roles in the purported conspiracy. Officials added that forensic and financial analysis of items recovered during the raids will inform further action, including possible prosecutions and asset attachment proceedings where applicable.
Police and central agency spokespeople did not disclose whether further arrests were made during Wednesday's operations. The probe continues and more details are expected to emerge as forensic reports and financial trails are examined.
