Guwahati, Dec 19: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensified its crackdown on a major inter-state arms trafficking network, conducting raids at 17 locations across Bihar, Nagaland, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir on Wednesday. The operation, linked to case RC-11/2024/NIA/DLI, targets the smuggling of prohibited weapons — including AK-47 rifles — from Nagaland and other northeastern states to the rest of India.
Bihar has emerged as a critical hub in this trafficking network, serving as both a transit route and a destination for smuggled arms. During the raids, the NIA seized a .315 rifle, 11 live rounds, three empty cartridges, firearm manufacturing tools, Rs. 13.94 lakh in cash, digital devices, and key documents. A car linked to the accused was also confiscated.
The raids focused on premises linked to 11 suspects associated with four previously arrested and charge-sheeted individuals. Investigations suggest the accused have been operating the arms trade for several years, with Bihar playing a pivotal role in the network’s operations.
This case underscores the persistent threat posed by arms smuggling through India’s northeastern corridors, which supply illegal weapons to criminal syndicates and extremist groups nationwide. The NIA has vowed to dismantle the entire network and trace the supply chain, signalling a tougher stance on arms trafficking that threatens internal security.
