The ₹76 Crore Drug Bust in Jiribam: Manipur’s Biggest Anti-Narcotics Strike
Summary
On July 20, 2025, Manipur’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with support from Assam Rifles and local police, seized heroin and methamphetamine worth an estimated ₹76 crore in Jiribam district. This massive drug bust is part of an intensified crackdown on cross-border narcotics trafficking via the porous India–Myanmar frontier
1. Introduction – A Wake‑Up Call in Jiribam
Ever thought ₹76 crore could change lives—just like that? Well, that’s exactly what happened in Jiribam on July 20. A major operation led by the DRI, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police resulted in one of the largest drug busts in the region, uncovering heroin and methamphetamine worth a staggering ₹76 crore. If that doesn’t sound like a blockbuster thriller, nothing does. And just like any high-stakes drama, this bust raises serious questions about border security, criminal syndicates, and the future of law enforcement in the Northeast.
2. The Operation – Precision at Its Peak
This wasn’t a random checkpoint bust. It was a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven raid, aimed squarely at drug-traffickers moving contraband along the India–Myanmar border.
- Who led it? The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence teamed up with Assam Rifles and local police units.
- Where did it happen? Jiribam district—a strategic gateway for smugglers entering from Myanmar.
- When did it occur? July 20, 2025.
- What was seized? Massive volumes of heroin and methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of ₹76 crore.
Together, this collaboration highlights the evolving tactics law enforcement is adopting to dismantle transnational drug networks in the region.
3. The Bust – Drugs, Money & Modus Operandi
Though specific quantities weren’t detailed in the source, we know this haul is a game-changer. To hit ₹76 crore in value, traffickers may have been shipping tens of kilos of heroin and meth.
Past operations offer insight:
- In June, another operation called “White Veil” netted 7.8 kg heroin and 6.7 kg opium (₹55 crore value)
- In May, DRI caught 569 g heroin and 1,039 g meth in Noney—a combined value of ₹23.5 crore
Considering those figures, the Jiribam bust likely involved scale orders of similar magnitude—enough to significantly disrupt trafficking networks.
4. Jiribam’s Strategic Importance
Ever wonder why Jiribam? Think of it as a bottleneck.
- It borders Myanmar and sits on major smuggling routes.
- Its connectivity makes it a hub for illegal trade.
- Weak infrastructure and sparse population offer cover to criminals.
This latest bust sends a strong signal: no matter how remote, Jiribam won’t be ignored.
5. How Drugs Flow Through the Indo‑Myanmar Corridor
Picture this: Myanmar cultivates heroin and produces amphetamines. Networks smuggle them through forest trails into Manipur. From there, the drugs head to markets across India and beyond.
The Jiribam bust points to:
- Well‑organized syndicates with access to large-scale production.
- Sophisticated concealment methods—likely hidden in vehicles or cargo.
- Multi-border operations, exploiting porous borders.
DRI and Assam Rifles’ coordination showed their determination to clamp down on this pipeline.
Final Takeaway – Why This Bust Matters
This isn’t just another headline. A ₹76 crore drug bust in Jiribam is a game-changer.
- It disrupts supply chains.
- Reinforces rule of law in remote districts.
- Protects vulnerable communities.
- Signals a new era of enforcement in the Northeast.
For Manipur—and India as a whole—every successful bust restores safety one step at a time.
FAQs
Q1: Exactly how much heroin and meth were seized?
While exact quantities aren’t disclosed, the haul’s value suggests tens of kilograms of heroin and meth combined—worth ₹76 crore on the grey market.
Q2: Who led the operation?
The raid was spearheaded by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, working closely with Assam Rifles and the Manipur Police—an interagency effort.
Q3: Why is Jiribam strategically important for drug trafficking?
Jiribam borders Myanmar and serves as a major transit hub for illicit goods, aided by its terrain and connectivity.
Q4: How does this bust compare with past seizures?
This is among the largest recorded in Manipur—surpassing the ₹55 crore haul in Churachandpur (June 2025) and the ₹23.5 crore bust in May.
Q5: What’s next after this operation?
Authorities will conduct follow-up investigations, prosecutions under the NDPS Act, asset tracking, and continue community outreach to prevent resurgence.
