India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its probe into a suspected transnational drug trafficking network linked to the seizure of 606.87 kg of methamphetamine from a Myanmar boat in the Bay of Bengal.

NIA teams on August 12 searched 13 locations—eight in Tamil Nadu and five in Mizoram. According to a Hub News report, the searches led to the recovery of cash, foreign currency and several digital devices for forensic examination.

Investigators recovered Rs 71 lakh, US$53,500 and 15 lakh kyat in Chennai, while Rs 22.38 lakh and Rs 20.73 lakh were seized from locations in Champhai and Aizawl respectively.

The drugs were seized in November 2024 near the Barren Islands along with a satellite phone and other items. Six Myanmar nationals arrested in the case were charge-sheeted in March 2025 under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Foreigners Act.

The NIA took over the investigation in August 2025 and re-registered the case under the NDPS Act, Foreigners Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The agency is now examining financial and digital evidence to identify the wider network behind the shipment. The searches in both Mizoram and Tamil Nadu suggest investigators are looking into possible links between Myanmar-based trafficking networks and drug routes extending into other parts of India.

Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other suspects allegedly involved in the network.

BOB Post