India's NCB dismantles transnational drug syndicate, arrests Myanmar-based kingpin

The accused is wanted in three cases registered by the NCB and is also connected to seven other cases instituted by the police and the DRI

Published - July 23, 2026 08:13 am IST — NEW DELHI

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate with the arrest in Manipur of its alleged kingpin, who operated from Haichin in Myanmar’s Chin State, the agency said on Wednesday (July 22, 2026).

“Nengzatuan alias Tuanpi was apprehended from Churachandpur, Manipur. Investigation has established that he was one of the principal international suppliers operating from Chin State, controlling a trafficking network that routed methamphetamine and heroin through Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, and Tripura for distribution across different parts of India and Bangladesh,” said the NCB.

The accused is wanted in three cases registered by the NCB and is also connected to seven other cases instituted by the police in Churachandpur and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The NCB cases involve seizures of approximately 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-organised network of international suppliers, cross-border couriers, transport coordinators, local facilitators, receivers, and financial handlers. It has so far been linked to seizures of methamphetamine, heroin, and proceeds of crime collectively worth over ₹53 crore.

Over the past several months, the NCB has busted several syndicates with the arrest of key accused persons, including carriers, receivers, transport coordinators, and local facilitators operating across Manipur and Assam. Among them are:

• Abdullah Ahmed of Silchar, Assam — allegedly functioned as the principal receiver and coordinator of consignments entering the State
• Lalthlamuong Pulamte of Churachandpur
• Nengultinkhum Hrangngul of Pherzawl, Manipur
• Paominlen Munlo of Churachandpur — suspected receiver in a major methamphetamine seizure

In addition, many others involved in the transportation, storage, and distribution of narcotic consignments have been arrested. Their interrogation, corroborated by technical surveillance, digital evidence, and financial investigation, helped the agency zero in on Nengzatuan, the principal Myanmar-based supplier directing the syndicate from across the international border.

“The arrest of Nengzatuan follows the earlier arrests of Lalhmingsanga in March 2026 and Thancintuang alias Chintuang alias Tluanga in May 2026,” said the NCB.