Aizawl: In a bid to dismantle cross-border smuggling network involved in trafficking arms, ammunition, and explosives, National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a person from the Mamit area of Mizoram.
The key accused in this case, identified as Lalngaihawma, was apprehended in the state capital, Aizawl, on February 1.
This development follows intelligence inputs regarding the operations of a well-organised, large-scale illegal arms and ammunition supply network operating in specific northeastern states of India.
According to NIA investigations, the accused, Lalngaihawma, and his associates were not only engaged in the trafficking of arms and ammunition within the northeastern states but also across the international border.
The network collaborated with various operatives, including insurgent groups situated beyond the border, the NIA said. The illicit activities included the distribution of weapons and explosive materials to individuals both within India and abroad, raising concerns about their potential use in violent terrorist acts and criminal activities across different regions.
The NIA registered the case on December 26, 2023, under various sections, including 120B of the IPC, sections 18 of the UA (P) Act 1967, Section 6 of the Explosive Substances Act 1908, and sections 25 (1) (a) & 25 (1AA) of the Arms Act.
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NIA emphasised that further investigations are underway to unveil the entire network and its operations.
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