Exclusive from intel sources on routes, profits The Mizoram-Myanmar drug trade riding ‘high’

NEW DELHI, Jan 28
With the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently unearthing a hidden tunnel built for smuggling of drugs along the Mizoram-Myanmar international bor- der, News18 has exclusively accessed an intelligence report on how the illegal trade has become a “shadow economy".
Intelligence sources called it a “global nexus", which helps drugs from Mizoram reach Bangladesh, Nepal, and Southeast Asia via Assam and Manipur.
Sources said the India-Myanmar shadow economy is worth Rs 30,000-40,000 crore.
THE ROUTE
Mizoram and Myanmar have more than 500-km-long porous border, which is surrounded by dense forest, river and difficult terrain, which make surveillance impossible. Moreover, only 10% is fenced.
First, the drug cartels use the Champhai district of Mizoram to enter India due to proximity to the Tiau river.
The second choice is Zokhawthar, a village close to the border.
The third is Siaha and Lawngtlai districts, which are remote areas with limited surveillance. These are used to move drugs to Assam and beyond.
From India, shipments move to Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Middle-East. These drugs are transported by locals, fake components in trucks, bamboo logs and food supplies such as rice sacks.
WHAT GOES WHERE?
Methamphetamine is supplied to India, Thailand and Australia.
Heroin is produced and sent to Europe via Iran and Africa.
Fentanyl and ketamine are sent to the Chinese market.
Meth is transported via river networks to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam
They are using private planes and even fishing boats for bulk shipments to Australia, Japan and the US.
THE BUSINESS
The drug cartels are using inventions to make profit. A case in point, the trade of synthetic drugs for higher profits. “Traffickers are shifting to fentanyl and methamphetamine crystals for higher profits. Huge profit margins are helping Myanmar and smugglers in India multiply it. A yaba tablet costing Rs 10 in Myan- mar sells for Rs 500-1,000 in Mizoram. Myanmar produces heroin worth Rs 20,000 crore, of which 80% comes to India," said sources.
THE ROLE OF ARMED GROUPS
“Even heavy vehicles can pass the drug tunnel found along the Mizoram-Myan-mar international border during the DRI raid," said sources.
Another alarming issue is the collaboration between traffickers and Myanmar-based armed groups like Chin National Army to protect the tunnels.
“The Myanmar United Wa State Army makes Rs 20,000 crore annually from the Indian market and even has properties and luxury investments in Delhi and Mumbai," said sources.
United Wa State Army (UWSA) operates methamphetamine labs and pro- duces 80% of South East Asia Meth, Yana Tablet and crystal meth and is supported and protected by Junta.
The Shan State Army (SSA) is involved in heroin production and their nexus is mainly Thai and the Chinese.
People’s Militia Forces are now in control of drug labs in Chin and Kachin States and they are using this money to fund weapons.
Their global nexus ranges from India to Australia, Africa, Iran and Europe.
CRISIS ACROSS THE GLOBE
According to sources, these groups have huge investments abroad and are involved in money laundering. These smugglers have cryptocurrencies (e.g. bitcoin) and shell companies in Singapore/Thailand.
They also have huge investments in real estate, casinos such as KK Park on the Myanmar- Thai border.
These drugs have caused addiction crises in Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia.
Heroin and meth from UWSA labs are driving epidemics in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Fentanyl precursors from UWSA-linked labs are contributing to the US opioid crisis. News18