NIA searches 13 locations in Tamil Nadu and Mizoram in Methamphetamine case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at 13 locations across Tamil Nadu and Mizoram as part of its investigation into a transnational drug trafficking case linked to the seizure of more than six kilograms of methamphetamine from a Myanmar-registered boat near Barren Island in November 2024.
NIA teams searched eight premises in Tamil Nadu and five in Mizoram. Several digital devices were recovered during the operation and have been sent for forensic examination as investigators work to identify the wider network behind the alleged trafficking operation.
In Chennai, officials recovered Rs 71 lakh, USD 53,500 and Myanmar currency worth 1.5 lakh Kyat. Searches in Champhai and Aizawl in Mizoram led to the recovery of Rs 22.38 lakh and Rs 20.73 lakh respectively.
The case began after Andaman and Nicobar Police intercepted the boat near Barren Island and recovered methamphetamine, a satellite phone and other items in November 2024. Six Myanmar nationals were arrested in connection with the case and were later chargesheeted on March 27, 2025, under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Foreigners Act.
The NIA subsequently took over the investigation and registered the case afresh on August 11, 2025. The accused remain in judicial custody.
The latest searches are aimed at tracing the wider international network allegedly connected to the seized drug consignment and identifying other people who may have played a role in the conspiracy. The investigation is continuing.