New Delhi, October 25, 2026: Security agencies have dismantled an international narcotics cartel operating across India’s northeastern region, arresting 18 people in a coordinated crackdown spanning Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation on Sunday, praising the central agencies and state police forces involved in the action.
Named Operation Trident, the crackdown targeted a drug-trafficking network allegedly operating across the borders of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh through the so-called ‘Death Triangle Corridor’.
According to Shah, security forces conducted simultaneous raids at 38 locations across the three northeastern states on October 23, striking at the cartel’s operations and its financial network.
The operation uncovered hawala transactions worth approximately ₹100 crore. Authorities froze 1,424 bank accounts, attached properties valued at ₹17.82 crore and seized 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash. Eighteen people were arrested in connection with the operation.
Amit Shah reiterates Centre’s drug-free India target
Announcing the operation on X, Shah said the crackdown reflected the Centre’s determination to eliminate narcotics networks and achieve its goal of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029.
The Home Minister issued a stern warning to drug cartels, asserting that security agencies would continue their crackdown until the networks were dismantled. He also congratulated the central agencies and police personnel from Assam, Mizoram and Manipur for their coordinated action.
Centre steps up nationwide anti-drug campaign
The operation comes amid the Centre’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse. Shah has repeatedly described narcotics as a major challenge to India’s development, warning that the threat could undermine the country’s progress if left unchecked.
Addressing the issue at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on October 21, Shah urged police forces across the country to strengthen their efforts towards achieving a drug-free India by December 2029.
He also highlighted the role of state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in safeguarding internal security, combating Naxalism and tackling narcotics networks.
Shah’s latest announcement underscores the Centre’s focus on disrupting international drug-trafficking routes, cutting off illicit financial flows and strengthening cooperation between central agencies and state police forces.
