ED Attaches ₹4.76 Crore In Bank Accounts Linked To Cross-Border Narcotics Trafficking Network
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office, has provisionally attached movable properties worth approximately ₹4.76 crore lying in 22 bank accounts in connection with an alleged cross-border narcotics trafficking and money-laundering network.
The attachment was made under Section 5(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, through a Provisional Attachment Order dated September 28, 2026.
The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of a prosecution complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Agartala Zonal Unit, in connection with NCB Case No. 07/2025.
The underlying case relates to the seizure of 49.101 kg of methamphetamine tablets and 40 grams of heroin on August 21, 2025. The seizure was made during a joint operation conducted between Keifang and Seling in Mizoram.
According to the investigation, the case involves an organised drug-trafficking network allegedly operating across international and inter-State borders. The ED said the narcotics were sourced from Myanmar and brought into Mizoram through the Indo-Myanmar border before being transported to receivers and handlers in other parts of India.
Investigators have identified several roles within the alleged network, including Myanmar-based suppliers, local coordinators, transporters, escort vehicle operators and receivers.
The ED also found that proceeds allegedly generated from the illegal drug trade were collected, routed and layered through multiple bank accounts held in the names of individuals and business entities. Investigators also detected the alleged use of a hawala network for receiving, transferring and settling funds connected with the narcotics trade.
Several bank accounts reportedly showed large credits, frequent cash deposits, quick onward transfers and transaction volumes that investigators considered disproportionate to the declared business activities of the account holders.
The investigation identified Thangchintuaang, also known as Chintuang, a Myanmar national, as an alleged key figure in the trafficking network. He was arrested by the NCB in May 2026 and is currently lodged in Central Jail, Aizawl.
During his statement, Chintuang allegedly admitted to procuring and supplying heroin and methamphetamine from Myanmar to India. He also reportedly disclosed that he and his associates had supplied the narcotics consignment later seized by the NCB on August 21, 2025.
According to the ED, Chintuang also provided details about the alleged modus operandi of the network, including the procurement of narcotics in Myanmar, transportation through remote routes along the Indo-Myanmar border, delivery to Indian receivers and the settlement of drug proceeds.
He also allegedly disclosed details of several Indian bank accounts used to receive, route and settle money generated from the illicit activities.
A subsequent analysis of the banking trail reportedly revealed substantial transfers between accounts, cash deposits and rapid movement of funds between different accounts.
Based on the investigation so far, the ED identified traceable proceeds of crime amounting to ₹4,76,51,149 lying in 22 bank accounts and provisionally attached the funds to prevent their concealment, transfer or dissipation.
Earlier, during searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA, approximately ₹3.42 crore found in various bank accounts maintained by the accused and other beneficiaries had also been frozen under Section 17(1A) of the Act.
With the latest attachment, the ED said proceeds of crime totalling approximately ₹8.19 crore have so far been secured under the PMLA. This includes around ₹3.42 crore frozen earlier and approximately ₹4.76 crore provisionally attached in the latest action.
The investigation is continuing.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
