Operation Trident: NCB Strikes 38 Locations Across Three Northeast States, Exposes ₹100 Crore Hawala Trail
India’s anti-narcotics strategy is shifting beyond drug seizures towards dismantling the financial and logistical networks sustaining international trafficking syndicates. Under Operation Trident, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in coordination with Mizoram Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), conducted simultaneous searches at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur on October 23, 2026. The operation targeted an alleged transnational drug-trafficking network operating across India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
* 38 coordinated searches: Multi-agency teams simultaneously targeted 38 identified locations across three northeastern states.
* 18 arrests: Authorities arrested 18 people during the wider operation.
* ₹100 crore hawala trail: Investigators uncovered suspected illicit financial transactions linked to the network.
*1,424 bank accounts frozen: Authorities moved against financial channels allegedly connected to the trafficking syndicate.
* ₹17.82 crore in assets attached: Investigators targeted properties suspected to be linked to illicit proceeds.
* Additional seizures: Agencies seized 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash.
From Drug Seizures to Financial Disruption
The operation reflects a broader enforcement approach that combines intelligence-sharing, digital forensics, financial investigations and coordinated searches. Investigators traced alleged trafficking routes connecting Myanmar with Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and other regions, with onward links to Bangladesh. The suspected network was associated with the trafficking of methamphetamine and heroin.
By targeting bank accounts, properties and alleged hawala channels alongside operational networks, agencies aim to disrupt the infrastructure that enables trafficking groups to finance operations, move proceeds and maintain cross-border connections. However, the allegations and financial links remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Governance Impact
Operation Trident aligns with the Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026–2029 which emphasises coordinated enforcement against drug-trafficking networks and their financial structures. The government has set a target of eliminating drug networks by December 31, 2029.
The operation also highlights the importance of cooperation between central agencies and state police in border-sensitive regions. Sustained intelligence-led investigations, effective prosecution and the prevention of illicit financial flows will be critical to converting enforcement action into lasting disruption of organised drug trafficking.
Governance Bharat Analysis: The strategic significance of Operation Trident lies not only in the number of locations searched but also in the attempt to weaken the financial architecture behind cross-border narcotics trafficking. Its long-term effectiveness will depend on follow-up investigations, successful prosecution and the continued dismantling of trafficking and money-laundering networks.
