One arrested as cross-border arms, explosives racket busted in Mizoram

Aizwal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted a cross-border smuggling network of arms and explosives operating in north eastern states. The agency has also arrested one among the key accused in the case from Aizwal of Mizoram.

According to reports, the accused, identified as Lalngaihawma is a resident of Mamit area of Mizoram. NIA caught Lalngaihawma on Thursday after receiving information about the operations of a well-organized, large-scale illegal arms and ammunition supply network operating in certain northeastern states.

According to official reports, Lalngaihawma, along with others, was engaged in trafficking of arms, ammunition and explosive materials not only in the northeastern states but also across the border. The accused was reportedly working in collusion with various operatives, including insurgent groups situated across the international border.

The arrest was done in connection with the matter registered by the anti-terror agency in December 2023, under Sections 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 18 of UA(P) Act of 1967, Section 6 of Explosive Substances Act 1908, and Sections 25 (1) (a) and 25 (1AA) of Arms Act.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.