Shillong, June 9: In a major operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against organised drug syndicates operating in the North Eastern Region, 3.99 kgs of Heroin smuggled through the Indo-Myanmar border was seized along NH-44 at Mawryngkneng, in the outskirts of Shillong city on Thursday.

In this regard, one person has been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, officials said on Friday.

The officers of DRI Shillong intercepted an SUV vehicle in which the suspect was travelling at Mawryngkneng on Thursday.

Rummaging of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 307 soap cases weighing 3.99 kgs of pinkish powder wrapped in polythene sachets from the possession of the suspect. The soap cases were concealed inside a secret chamber below the seat of the SUV, they said.

A communique issued by the DRI said preliminary investigations reveal that the consignment had come from Manipur via Mizoram. The value of the Heroin seized in the international illicit market is estimated at Rs. 27.94 crore. Follow up searches and further investigation is in progress.

In 2022-23, DRI Shillong has seized over 6.25 kgs of Heroin valued over Rs. 43 crores in the international market. Since April 2022, DRI has seized more than 1358 kgs of Heroin valued at approximately Rs. 6,670 crores in the international illicit market, including 23.7 kgs valued at over Rs. 166 crores in the North Eastern Region alone.