NIA arrests one in Mizoram for smuggling arms, ammunition and explosives

AIZAWL: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an individual following extensive searches at arms shops and other places in Mizoram in connection with a case of trafficking in arms, ammunition and smuggling of explosives.

The NIA conducted searches at six locations, including two arms shops, in Mizoram's Aizawl district, leading to the arrest of Solomona, also known as Hminga.

The searches resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of explosive materials, ammunition, digital devices, documents and other incriminating materials.

Solomona is the second person arrested in the case, identified as RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI, which involves the trafficking of arms, ammunition and explosives in the North-Eastern states.

The case was registered on December 26, 2023, under various sections of the IPC, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and UAPA, following credible information about a large-scale illegal supply network operating in the region.

Investigations revealed that the accused had established a network in the border areas of Myanmar and Mizoram to procure and transfer arms and ammunition, and smuggle explosives to Mizoram and Manipur from the Myanmar border.

Earlier, Laigaihawma was arrested in connection with the case. His associate, Lalmuanawma, also known as Mangliana, still at large, is from Myanmar.

Along with their associates based in Myanmar, they were involved in supplying arms, ammunition and explosives to Mizoram and Manipur, as well as sending supplies to armed groups based in Myanmar.

Further investigations revealed that hawala channels were used to transfer payments for arms and ammunition trafficking.