The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant breakthrough in its crackdown on arms, ammunition trafficking, and explosives smuggling, with the arrest of an individual following extensive searches in gun shops and other locations in Mizoram.
In a coordinated operation across six locations, including two gun shops, in the Aizawl district of Mizoram, the NIA apprehended Solomona, also known as Hminga. The raids yielded a substantial quantity of explosives material, ammunition, digital devices, documents, and other incriminating materials.
Solomona’s arrest comes as the second breakthrough in the case (RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI), which was registered on December 26, 2023. The case pertains to a large-scale illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives supply network operating in the northeastern region of the country.
NIA investigations have unveiled the establishment of a network by the accused in the bordering areas of Myanmar and Mizoram, facilitating the procurement, transfer, and smuggling of arms, ammunition, and explosives into Mizoram and Manipur from across the Myanmar border.
Previously, Laigaihawma was arrested in connection with the case, while his associate Lalmuanawma, also known as Mangliana, remains absconding. Lalmuanawma, originally from Myanmar, along with their associates in Myanmar, has been implicated in supplying arms and ammunition to armed groups in Myanmar and Manipur.
The ongoing investigations have further unraveled the usage of hawala channels for transferring payments related to arms and ammunition trafficking. The NIA continues its relentless efforts to dismantle the nefarious network and bring all perpetrators to justice.
