# ED busts India-Myanmar drug-linked hawala network in Mizoram, Manipur; 6 arrested > The Enforcement Directorate has dismantled a narcotics-linked hawala network along the India-Myanmar border, arresting six individuals, freezing 1,424 bank accounts, and attaching assets worth Rs 26.01 crore. **Type:** article · **Category:** Mizoram · **Published:** 2026-10-26 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/mizoram/mizoram-aura-manipur-men-ed-ka-bara-ekshana-dragsa-se-jure-havala-netavarka-ka-bhndaphora-kara-6-giraphtara-51830 · **Language:** English **Tags:** ED, Mizoram, Manipur, hawala network, drug trafficking, Narcotics Control Bureau The Enforcement Directorate has dismantled an extensive hawala network connected to the cross-border trafficking of narcotics along the international boundary between India and Myanmar across Mizoram and Manipur. According to an official agency statement released on Sunday, the coordinated crackdown led to the arrest of six individuals, the freezing of 1,424 bank accounts, and the provisional attachment of assets valued at Rs 26.01 crore. ## Coordinated Raids Across Multiple Locations The coordinated search operations commenced on Friday, targeting multiple locations across Aizawl, Champhai, and Lawngtlai in Mizoram, alongside Churachandpur in Manipur. The agency stated that this enforcement action was part of three distinct money laundering investigations tied to the trafficking of heroin, brown sugar, and methamphetamine tablets originating from Myanmar. The premises subjected to searches included locations linked to hawala operators, holders of mule bank accounts, front business entities, and a mini-ATM counter situated across the four specified districts. Furthermore, bank branches maintaining pivotal accounts associated with the suspected illicit network were also inspected during the sweeps. ## Inter-Agency Collaboration and Seizures The operation was executed in close collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Mizoram Police force. During these searches, authorities froze 1,424 bank accounts allegedly connected to the narcotics trade and hawala operators operating within Mizoram and Manipur. Additionally, assets amounting to Rs 26.01 crore were provisionally attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Six people were taken into custody in connection with these ongoing probes, comprising three suspects from Mizoram and three from Manipur. ## Porous Border Dynamics and Smuggling Routes Characterizing the 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar boundary as highly porous, the agency noted that the terrain facilitates the movement of illicit substances in both directions, particularly through Mizoram's Champhai-Zokhawthar sector. Precursor chemicals utilized for diluting drugs are transported from India into Myanmar, while finished narcotics manufactured in Myanmar, including heroin, brown sugar, and methamphetamine tablets, are smuggled back into Indian territory. These illicit consignments cross the Tiau river at Zokhawthar, situated opposite Khawmawi in Myanmar, before being moved onward to Champhai. From there, the shipments travel along the Champhai-Aizawl road and National Highway 6A towards Aizawl, Vairengte, and the adjoining borders of Assam and Tripura. The agency further stated that the narcotics entering Mizoram and Manipur are either consumed locally or transited through Assam to reach other regions of India and neighboring Bangladesh. The financial proceeds generated from this drug trade are subsequently channeled back to border towns in Mizoram to settle financial liabilities with suppliers based in Myanmar. Investigators also revealed that individuals holding mule bank accounts admitted during questioning to renting out their personal accounts to suspected narco-hawala operators in exchange for a commission of Rs 500 per lakh. ## What this means for you This major enforcement action will have significant practical implications for financial compliance and security in the region. - **Across India:** Central law enforcement agencies will heighten surveillance on cross-border financial transactions and illegal hawala channels nationwide. This crackdown signals stricter monitoring of illicit capital flows tied to organized crime. - **In Mizoram and Manipur:** Residents in Aizawl, Champhai, and Churachandpur face increased scrutiny over bank account usage and local financial dealings. Individuals who previously rented out accounts risk severe legal penalties under money laundering laws. ## Why this happened The crackdown was executed to dismantle a deeply entrenched financial and logistical network supporting cross-border drug trafficking and money laundering. - **Porous Border Geography:** The 1,643-kilometer border between India and Myanmar lacks strict physical barriers in several sectors, allowing traffickers to easily move contraband across the boundary. - **Hawala and Mule Accounts:** Syndicates utilized rented bank accounts and complex hawala channels to launder illicit profits generated from the sale of narcotics back to suppliers. - **Inter-Agency Intelligence:** The Enforcement Directorate combined resources with the Narcotics Control Bureau and state police forces to target key nodes of the narcotics supply chain simultaneously. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Which states were targeted in the ED operation? The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches across Mizoram and Manipur. ### 2. How many people were arrested during the raids? A total of six individuals were arrested, with three suspects from Mizoram and three from Manipur. ### 3. How many bank accounts were frozen by the agency? The agency froze 1,424 bank accounts allegedly linked to the narcotics and hawala trade. ### 4. What is the total value of the attached assets? Assets valued at Rs 26.01 crore were provisionally attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. ### 5. Which other agencies assisted in the operation? The operation was carried out in coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Mizoram Police. ### 6. How much did mule account holders earn for renting their accounts? Investigators revealed that account holders were paid Rs 500 per lakh for renting out their accounts to operators. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._