A coordinated multi-agency drug raid across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur led to 18 arrests and major financial action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as investigators targeted transnational trafficking networks. On October 23, central agencies carried out simultaneous strikes on transnational drug-trafficking and money-laundering networks. The NCB-led Operation Trident deployed 38 multi-agency teams to 38 locations, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in three related cases. The operation focused on the logistical and financial infrastructure used to move narcotics from Myanmar through the “Death Triangle Corridor” that spans India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Teams covered key hubs and border corridors including Aizawl, Champhai and Zokhawthar in Mizoram, locations in Churachandpur in Manipur, and the Cachar transit corridor in Assam. Investigators said the raids were aimed at disrupting supply chains as well as illicit financing, with agencies working under a unified command after sharing intelligence ahead of the strikes. Authorities identified hawala transactions valued at Rs 100 crore. The ED froze 1,424 bank accounts and provisionally attached properties worth Rs 17.82 crore, bringing secured assets to more than Rs 26 crore. Police and investigators also seized 500 detonators and Rs 12 lakh in cash. In the broader operation, 18 people were arrested. The ED arrested six accused, while proceedings against four others are underway. Amit Shah said the operation was a severe blow to an international narco-cartel and that agencies would continue efforts until drug cartels are dismantled, with searches and audits continuing as part of the crackdown.