GUWAHATI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested the kingpin of one of the biggest transnational drug trafficking networks operating along the India-Myanmar border.

In a statement on Sunday (May 17, 2026), the NCB said Thachintuang, also known as Chintuang and Tluanga, was caught in Delhi recently following extensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, interstate coordination, and sustained follow-up operations.

“Chintuang emerged as one of the most significant traffickers operating along the Myanmar-Mizoram-Manipur-Assam-Tripura corridor and was identified as a major international supplier of methamphetamine and heroin operating from Myanmar,” an NCB officer posted in the northeast said.

“Investigations revealed his extensive involvement in organising cross-border trafficking networks routing narcotic consignments through Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura into various parts of India and Bangladesh,” he said. Chintuang was wanted in multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by the NCB and several Drug Law Enforcement Agencies.

Further investigation revealed that Chintuang was also accused in two NDPS cases registered by Champhai Police in 2025 relating to suspected trafficking of methamphetamine and heroin. He was additionally found involved in six NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department in 2023, linked to heroin trafficking activities.

Identifying associates

“Investigations indicate his involvement in illicit drug trafficking networks valued at approximately ₹115 crore. He is linked to seven NDPS cases connected with the Myanmar-Mizoram-Tripura/Assam corridor and is also suspected in five additional cases associated with the Myanmar-Manipur-Assam route,” the NCB statement read.

Chintuang was the prime accused in a 2024 NCB Agartala Zone case involving the seizure of 14 kg of methamphetamine and 2.8 kg of heroin. He was also the prime accused in another NCB Agartala Zone case of 2025 involving the seizure of 49.1 kg methamphetamine tablets, where nine traffickers had already been arrested before his apprehension.

During the investigation, the NCB identified and apprehended several syndicate members and close associates of Chintuang. Among them, Vungkhanthawna, identified as a close associate and key facilitator, played a major role in coordinating movement and delivery of narcotic consignments linked to the Myanmar-based trafficking network.

Vungkhanthawna was arrested during follow-up operations and found to be involved in another NDPS case registered by the Mizoram police. Considering his continued involvement in illicit trafficking activities, proceedings under the PITNDPS Act were initiated against him.

Hawala operations

Another associate, Lalrampari, functioned as a major hawala operator responsible for handling and channelling proceeds generated through illicit drug trafficking activities of the syndicate. The NCB arrested her on August 8, 2024.

The investigation revealed hawala transactions amounting to nearly ₹100 crore linked to the network, following which the matter was shared with the Enforcement Directorate. Properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking were subsequently frozen.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Abu Saleh, alias Saifuddin, in southern Assam’s Cachar on November 20, 2025. He was identified as a major Indian operative and logistics coordinator associated with Chintuang’s network, involved in the transportation and distribution of narcotic substances across the Assam corridor.

Saleh was linked to multiple NDPS cases registered by the Mizoram police and the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department, officials said.

One of the key accused arrested in the 2025 Agartala Zone case was Jabrul from southern Assam’s Karimganj, connected to Chintuang’s transnational trafficking network. He was apprehended on December 3, 2025, along with an additional consignment of narcotic drugs.

Investigation revealed his active role in interstate trafficking operations and the coordination of drug movements through the Tripura-Assam route. Officials said he was also found involved in multiple NDPS cases registered by the Tripura police and the NCB.

Attaching assets

“Financial investigation in the cases led to identification and temporary freezing of multiple bank accounts linked to the accused persons having substantial suspicious transactions connected with drug trafficking proceeds,” the NCB statement read.

The anti-drug bureau initiated “360-degree financial investigations” against drug syndicates to identify and attach assets generated through illicit trafficking. Officials said that properties, bank accounts, and financial proceeds linked to drug trafficking networks are being identified and frozen under provisions of the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to dismantle the financial ecosystem sustaining organised narcotics trafficking.

“Investigation in the cases revealed the existence of a highly organised interstate and international drug trafficking network extending from Myanmar to Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. The syndicate utilised multiple trafficking routes, local facilitators, transport coordinators, hawala channels, and financial handlers for smuggling and distribution of Methamphetamine and Heroin across international and interstate borders,” the statement said.

Chintuang was the second major Myanmar-based drug supplier caught by the NCB in 2026.

In the northeastern region, the NCB registered 48 NDPS cases during 2025, resulting in the arrest of 116 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs valued at ₹665 crore in the illicit drug market.

In 2026, NCB has registered 31 NDPS cases so far, resulting in the arrest of 54 drug traffickers and the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic drugs during sustained enforcement operations across the region.