India Seizes Rs 100 Cr Hawala Funds, Arrests 18 in Operation Trident

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Operation Trident, a coordinated crackdown on an international narcotics cartel operating across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. The raid uncovered hawala transactions totaling Rs 100 crore, leading to the arrest of 18 suspects. Authorities froze multiple bank accounts linked to the cartel and seized illegal items, including detonators and cash. Shah reiterated the government’s pledge to eliminate drug networks by December 31, 2029, underscoring the operation as a key step toward that goal. The arrests and asset seizures demonstrate the state’s capacity to disrupt cross‑border drug financing and supply chains, marking a significant escalation in India’s anti‑drug enforcement efforts.