Manipur’s transformation into a narcotics hotspot has been both rapid and alarming. Traditionally a transit state for heroin smuggled from Myanmar, it has evolved into a major producer of synthetic drugs.
The globally acclaimed series Narcos peeled back the layers of the narcotics trade in Colombia and Mexico, exposing the corruption, terror, and intrigue that fuelled the empires of Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel. If the creators of Narcos were to turn their lens eastward, to Myanmar and the troubled Indian state of Manipur, they would uncover a story as gripping and terrifying as any in their archives.
Manipur, nestled in India’s northeastern frontier, is more than just a scenic border state. It is a key cog in the Golden Triangle’s narcotics trade—a deadly network linking Southeast Asia’s drug-producing regions to global markets. The region’s story is one of unimaginable wealth, human suffering, and a battle for control that fuels terrorism and corruption on both sides of the border.
In one of the largest drug seizures in the region, Indian authorities intercepted 5.5 tonnes (5,500 kg) of methamphetamine from the Myanmarese fishing boat Soe Wai Yan Htoo. Valued at Rs 6 crore per kilogram, the haul was worth an eye-watering Rs 33,000 crore. This seizure highlighted the sheer scale of the narcotics business and the sophistication of the networks operating out of Myanmar.
Methamphetamine, also known as “meth” or “ice,” is becoming the drug of choice in the Golden Triangle. It’s easier to produce, transport, and conceal than traditional narcotics like heroin. With porous borders and limited enforcement capabilities, Manipur has emerged as a critical transit and production hub in this deadly trade.
Manipur’s transformation into a narcotics hotspot has been both rapid and alarming. Traditionally a transit state for heroin smuggled from Myanmar, it has evolved into a major producer of synthetic drugs. Clandestine labs have been discovered across the state, with one raid in 2020 uncovering 435 kg of brown sugar in a makeshift laboratory.
The Manipur state government’s “war on drugs” campaign, launched with much fanfare, has yielded mixed results. While significant efforts have been made to destroy poppy fields in districts such as Ukhrul, Senapati, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur, the scale of illegal cultivation has paradoxically increased over time. Official data shows that poppy cultivation expanded from 1,853 acres in 2017 to over 6,742 acres in 2022, reflecting the persistence of the problem despite eradication drives.
However, recent efforts appear to have made some impact, with poppy cultivation in Manipur decreasing by 32.13% during the 2023-24 fiscal compared to the previous year, as reported by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC). Despite this decline, the opium-yielding plant remains widely cultivated across 12 of the State’s 16 districts, underlining the entrenched nature of poppy farming in the region.
This dual reality highlights the challenges in combating Manipur’s deep-rooted narcotics economy. While the reduction in cultivation is encouraging, the continuing prevalence of poppy fields signals the need for sustained and more comprehensive efforts to tackle the socio-economic and enforcement gaps that fuel the illegal drug trade.
The drug trade in Manipur is controlled by an unholy alliance of local and international actors. Insurgent groups, often claiming to fight for ethnic or political causes, have found drug money to be an irresistible source of funding. These groups work in tandem with powerful drug cartels in Myanmar, which, in turn, are heavily influenced by Chinese networks.
Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) play significant roles in Myanmar’s drug trade. The porous 398-km border between Manipur and Myanmar allows these groups to funnel drugs into India. Once inside Indian territory, drugs are transported through well-established routes, often with the complicity of corrupt officials.
The Soe Wai Yan Htoo bust is just one example of how these networks operate. Drugs from Myanmar’s labs are smuggled into Manipur via border towns like Moreh and then distributed across India and beyond. Moreh has become a bustling transit point for narcotics, with shipments flowing to Nagaland, Assam, and even down to southern ports like Chennai.
The narcotics trade is not just a law enforcement challenge; the illicit drug trade also funds terrorism, with insurgent groups using their profits to buy weapons, recruit fighters, and perpetuate violence. The battle for control over Manipur’s drug routes is often disguised as ethnic or political conflict, but at its heart, it is a fight for the estimated Rs 70,000 crore generated annually by the narcotics business.
According to recent data, synthetic drugs dominate the narcotics trade, accounting for 53% of all production. This category includes substances like methamphetamine, which are easier to produce and transport, making them increasingly popular among traffickers. Opioids, including heroin, make up 35%, reflecting their continued demand in traditional markets. Meanwhile, marijuana constitutes 12%, indicating its smaller but persistent presence in the drug ecosystem. These figures highlight a significant shift towards synthetic substances, driven by high profits and ease of distribution, underscoring the evolving challenges in combating the global drug trade.
The situation in Manipur is further complicated by the involvement of various ethnic groups. Official data shows that of the 2,518 people arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between 2017 and 2023, 873 were from the Kuki-Chin community, despite their involvement in large-scale poppy cultivation. Meanwhile, 1,083 arrested were Muslims, 381 Meiteis, and 181 belonged to other communities.
The illegal poppy cultivation in Kuki-Chin-dominated areas spans over 13,121.8 acres, compared to 2,340 acres in Naga-dominated regions. This discrepancy raises uncomfortable questions about the role of local politics, law enforcement, and media in shaping public perceptions of the drug crisis.
The conflict in Myanmar, where the military junta has tightened its grip since 2021, has only exacerbated the problem. Opium production in Myanmar’s Chin state, which shares a border with Manipur, has increased by 14 percent, according to the UNODC. The rise in production coincides with an uptick in synthetic drug manufacturing, making the situation more volatile.
Manipur is not just a victim of its geography; it is also a key player in the global drug trade. The drugs that flow through its borders end up in major markets like Malaysia, Thailand, and even Australia. The infamous green tea bag packaging, marked with Mandarin characters, has become a symbol of this deadly trade, with methamphetamine shipments originating from Northeast India frequently intercepted en route to international destinations.
The narrative of Manipur’s drug crisis goes beyond the simplistic portrayal of ethnic or religious conflict. It is a high-stakes battle for control over a multi-billion-dollar industry. Insurgents, politicians, drug lords, and even ordinary farmers are all entangled in this web.
The hills and valleys of Manipur are not just battlegrounds for territorial supremacy; they are the heart of a shadow economy that thrives on human misery. As drug routes evolve and synthetic narcotics gain prominence, the stakes continue to rise.
The Narcos series captivated audiences by showing the human stories behind the drug trade. A similar focus on Manipur could shine a light on the region’s complexities and the human cost of the narcotics business. From the staggering Rs 33,000 crore Soe Wai Yan Htoo bust to the thousands of lives destroyed by addiction, Manipur’s story is one that deserves global attention.
Whether through the lens of cinema or the resolve of policymakers, the world must recognise the crisis unfolding in this corner of India. The fight against drugs is not just about busting cartels; it is about saving lives, restoring communities, and breaking the cycle of violence that keeps Manipur in its grip.
* Savio Rodrigues is the founder and editor-in-chief of Goa Chronicle.