Mizzima
An Indian and a Myanmar national were arrested in possession of 5.427kg of heroin in Aizawl Town in India’s Mizoram State, which borders Myanmar, at 10:30 pm on 3 April.
Lanon Maura, a 38-year-old from India’s Tripura state and Lahkwelyanna, a 34-year-old from Khampat Town in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region were apprehended in their car as they were transporting the heroin from Myanmar concealed in 440 boxes of soap.
“We are concerned that the heroin seizure may impact the local Mizoram people’s perception of refugees. As refugees in this state, it’s prudent not to engage in activities that displease our hosts. Our desire is to coexist peacefully with the locals”, said a Myanmar refugee staying in Mizoram.
He added that Myanmar citizens in Mizoram who commit any criminal offences, including drug-related offences, face severe consequences. He also emphasised that the Mizoram population demands the most stringent of punishments for drug traffickers.
According to Indian officials, the two suspects were charged under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). If convicted, the court could sentence them to 10 to 20 years in prison and impose fines ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 rupees.
Previously, on 10 March 2024 at 10:00 pm, police in Rikhawdar Town in Myanmar’s Chin State seized heroin worth over 8,000,000 rupees on its way to Mizoram State, hidden in 228 boxes of soap.
