ED Arrests Six in Myanmar-India Drug and Hawala Network Probe; 1,424 Bank Accounts Frozen

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on alleged drug trafficking and cross-border hawala operations linked to Mizoram and Manipur, arresting six people, freezing 1,424 bank accounts and provisionally attaching assets worth Rs 17.82 crore.

With the newly attached properties, the total value of assets secured in the investigation has exceeded Rs 26.01 crore, including Rs 8.19 crore secured earlier. The operation targets an alleged financial network through which proceeds from narcotics trafficking were transferred across India and routed to suppliers in Myanmar.

The ED's Aizawl and Imphal sub-zonal offices conducted searches on October 23, 2026, at multiple locations in Aizawl, Champhai, Lawngtlai and Churachandpur under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Mizoram Police assisted in the coordinated operation.

Drug Consignments From Myanmar and Suspected Hawala Transfers

According to the investigation, consignments of heroin, brown sugar and methamphetamine tablets were allegedly transported from Myanmar into India. The proceeds from their sale were reportedly moved through bank accounts, mini-ATM outlets, customer service centres and hawala channels operating across several states before reaching alleged suppliers in Myanmar.

The ED said the network was connected to the Champhai and Zokhawthar areas of Mizoram and allegedly extended into Manipur, Assam, Tripura and other parts of the country.

Investigators identified bank accounts suspected of being used to conceal the origin of funds generated through the alleged drug trade. The agency is examining how these accounts were operated and how the money was transferred across different locations.

Investigation Uncovers Transactions Worth Over Rs 175 Crore

The probe revealed that a mini-ATM and money-transfer centre in Churachandpur had processed approximately Rs 175.03 crore through 2,947 transactions between 2024 and June 2026.

According to the ED, these transactions were linked to various accounts in Mizoram and individuals suspected of operating hawala channels.

Investigators also found indications that certain account holders allegedly allowed others to use their bank accounts in exchange for Rs 500 per lakh rupees transacted. In a separate suspected hawala network, accounts were reportedly credited with approximately Rs 268.80 crore.

The agency is tracing the movement of these funds to identify their actual beneficiaries and establish their alleged connections with narcotics trafficking.

Five-Storey Commercial Building Provisionally Attached

As part of the action, the ED provisionally attached a five-storey commercial building housing Hotel J.T.S. in the Zion Veng area of Champhai. The property, including the land, has been valued at Rs 17.82 crore.

The agency suspects that the property is connected to individuals allegedly involved in hawala operations.

During the searches, officials seized records documenting cash transactions, cheque books, debit cards, mobile phones and other digital devices. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of bank officials, customer service centre operators, suspected shell companies and individuals allegedly receiving funds in Myanmar.

Who Are the Six People Arrested?

The arrested individuals have been identified as Kashyap G. Thakkar, Thangkhuallua and T. Chatuan Vanlalnghaka from Mizoram, along with Jenngaihnian alias Taniang, Nengjuatuoan Valte alias Tuanpi and H. Gouzalal from Churachandpur in Manipur.

According to the ED, Taniang and Tuanpi were already in judicial custody in connection with narcotics-related cases. They were formally arrested in the present investigation after obtaining permission from the relevant court.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the agency working to identify additional bank accounts, suspected hawala operators, cross-border recipients and individuals allegedly involved in supplying chemicals used in narcotics production.

ED Expands Probe Into Financial and Cross-Border Links

The latest operation forms part of the agency's efforts to trace the financial proceeds of suspected drug trafficking and uncover the mechanisms used to transfer money across international borders.

Investigators are now analysing the seized records and digital evidence to establish the roles of the suspected participants, determine the ultimate destination of the funds and identify any additional assets linked to the alleged network.

The ED has yet to complete its investigation into the full extent of the suspected operations and the involvement of other individuals.