Extensive Searches Yield Significant Seizures as National Investigation Agency Continues Crackdown on Illegal Arms Trade
AB News, New Delhi, 7th December 2024: In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three individuals linked to a trans-border arms smuggling and arms trafficking case in Mizoram. The arrests were made following extensive searches conducted across six locations in the state on Friday.
The detained suspects, identified as Lalrinchhunga, Vanlaldailova, and Lalmuanpuia, were found to have ties to previously arrested individuals involved in an organized network trafficking explosives, weapons, and ammunition. Their apprehension is part of NIA’s broader investigation, registered under case number RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI, which has been ongoing since December 26, 2023.
The agency’s search operations spanned the districts of Mammit, Serchip, and Aizawl, culminating in the seizure of a substantial cache of military-grade weapons, ammunition, explosives, weapons manufacturing equipment, digital devices, and other incriminating articles, including the identification of a clandestine gunhouse.
The NIA launched its investigation after receiving intelligence indicating that several entities based in Mizoram were operating an illegal arms syndicate trafficking dangerous goods throughout the north-eastern region. This initiative follows previous arrests of key suspects, including Lalngaihawma and Solomona @ Hminga @ Lalmithanga, who were charged earlier in the year as part of this ongoing operation.
As the investigation continues, the NIA is focusing on uncovering the broader conspiracy surrounding arms and explosives trafficking in Mizoram and neighboring states, highlighting the importance of eradicating such illegal networks to enhance national security.
