Operation Trident: 18 Held in Crackdown on Narco-Cartel

New Delhi, October 25: In a significant move against the drug menace, the Centre has carried out a large-scale operation known as 'Operation Trident'. Home Minister Amit Shah revealed on Sunday that a coordinated action across three northeastern states led to the exposure of an international drug trafficking gang and the arrest of 18 accused.

Shah shared the update on X, writing that the Modi government had 'once again dealt a strong blow to narcotics' through the operation. He noted that agencies had conducted raids at 38 locations in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur at the same time on October 23, dismantling an international narco-cartel in the process.

According to the Home Minister, the operation revealed hawala dealings worth Rs 100 crore. Authorities froze 1,424 bank accounts linked to the racket. Property worth Rs 17.82 crore was seized, while 500 detonators and Rs 12 lakh in cash were also recovered. Eighteen people have been arrested in connection with the case.

Describing the network's methods, Shah said it had been smuggling narcotic substances from the borders of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh via the 'Death Triangle Corridor'.

The Home Minister said the action demonstrates the government's determination to wipe out every narcotics network before December 31, 2029. He added that India would keep up its pressure until narco-cartels are completely finished. Shah also congratulated the central agencies and police forces of the three states for their joint efforts.

The crackdown follows the government's decision to focus on narcotics after tackling Naxalism. The Centre aims to free the country from drug problems completely by December 31, 2029. On October 21, speaking at Police Commemoration Day in New Delhi, Shah announced that the Union Home Ministry has resolved to fight narcotics jointly over the next three and a half years, during 2027, 2028 and 2029.