NIA Searches Chennai and Mizoram Locations over Rs 36,000-Crore Meth Haul

The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday conducted early-morning searches across 13 locations in Tamil Nadu and Mizoram, including premises in Chennai, in connection with the seizure of 6,016.87 kilograms of methamphetamine from a Myanmar-flagged vessel in the Andaman Sea.

Investigating officers carried out searches at eight locations in Tamil Nadu, with sources confirming operations in Chennai and Madurai, as well as five locations in Mizoram. The multi-state operation was part of an ongoing probe into the network responsible for the contraband.

The case stems from an incident on November 23, 2024, when a maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard spotted a suspicious boat of Myanmar origin in the Andaman Sea. A coordinated sea-air operation was launched, leading to the interception of the vessel and the apprehension of six Myanmar nationals on board.

A subsequent joint search of the intercepted vessel led to the recovery of 6,016.87 kilograms of methamphetamine. According to the Coast Guard, the seized contraband carried an estimated market value of approximately Rs 36,000 crore.

Following the drug seizure, the agency registered case RC-16/2025/NIA/DLI to investigate the wider network involved in trafficking the consignment. The case is currently being heard before the NIA Special Court at Port Blair.

Wednesday's early-hour searches were aimed at gathering further evidence and identifying the individuals and networks allegedly linked to the trafficking and movement of the massive methamphetamine consignment.