Cross border smuggling busted, NIA arrests key accused

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted a cross-border smuggling network of arms, ammunition, and explosives, with the arrest of a key accused in the case on Thursday.
The accused, identified as Lalngaihawma, is a resident of the Mamit area of Mizoram. He was nabbed from Aizawl, Mizoram following inputs regarding the operations of a well-organised, large-scale, illegal arms and ammunition supply network operating in certain northeastern states of India.
NIA on Saturday said the accused, along with others, was engaged in the trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosive materials not only in the northeastern states but also across the international border.Lalngaihawma was working in collusion with various operatives including those associated with insurgent groups having bases across the international border.
As part of their conspiracy, they had already distributed such terror hardware to various individuals in India and abroad. These illicit weapons & explosives are suspected to have been used in violent terrorist acts and criminal activities across different regions.
The related case was registered by NIA on December 26 last year, under Sections 120B of IPC; Section 18 of UA (P) Act 1967, Section 6 of Explosive Substances Act 1908 and Sections 25 (1)(a) & 25 (1AA) of Arms Act.