Full Breakdown
Operation Trident – Coordinated Raids Dismantle International Narcotics Network in Northeast India
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Core Event
On October 23, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced simultaneous raids at 38 locations in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. The operation, dubbed Operation Trident, targeted a cartel moving methamphetamine and heroin through the “Death Triangle Corridor” linking India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The raids resulted in:
- Freezing of 1,424 bank accounts and attachment of property worth INR17.82 crore
- Seizure of INR100 crore in hawala-related transactions, 500 detonators, and INR12 lakh in cash
These figures were disclosed by the Home Minister in his post on X and in government briefings.
Background & Context
The crackdown is part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign launched in 2020 to reduce drug demand. The initiative has reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women, and engaged more than 32 lakh educational institutions.
Operation Trident aligns with the Centre’s objective to eradicate drug networks by December 31, 2029.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2026 | Raids at 38 sites in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Shah announced the results |
| Dec 31, 2029 | Target deadline for a drug-free India |
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Locations raided | 38 |
| Arrests | 18 |
| Bank accounts frozen | 1,424 |
| Hawala transactions uncovered | INR100 crore |
| Property attached | INR17.82 crore |
| Detonators seized | 500 |
| Cash recovered | INR12 lakh |
| Nasha Mukt Bharat reach | >35 crore people |
Official Statements & Responses
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the operation a “lethal blow” against the transnational cartel and praised the coordinated effort of central agencies and state police. He said the raids disrupted both logistical and financial arteries of the network, exposing extensive hawala channels, and reiterated the commitment to the December 31, 2029 target.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Modi Govt deals another lethal blow against drugs with Operation Trident,” — Amit Shah
- “The offensive attests to India's Himalayan resolve to realise the mission of eradicating every drug network by 31 December 2029.” — Amit Shah
What's Next
The Home Ministry will continue its push against drug trafficking through 2027-2029, focusing on surveillance, financial profiling and inter-agency coordination. Additional raids along the India-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor are planned.