A Burmese migrant and a Chinese national were apprehended for being in possession of a sophisticated illegal drugs making machine and contraband narcotics estimated to be worth Rs. 300 crores in Kolkata. The arrest followed a tip off from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Nang Lian Kham alias Micheal Suanpu (37) belonging to Tuithang village, Tedim Township, Chin state, Burma and a Chinese national were arrested at a godown of Balmer Lawrie& Company Ltd. on the Netaji Subhas Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, India by officers of the Indian intelligence agency on November 15. The duo have been charged with possession and transportation of a Columbia made Amphetamine manufacturing machine to New Delhi, according to security sources.

It is learnt that parts of the machine were transported in three trips from Columbia through Hong Kong to Kolkata and then New Delhi. Nang Lian Kham and his accomplice were arrested on their return trip after having delivered the machine and completing the monetary transaction.

The machine is estimated to cost Rs. 300 crores. Interestingly Nang Lian Kham claimed it is a shampoo making machine. The Drug Enforcement Agency of USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation is said to have kept tabs on the duo’s activities and relayed the information to the Indian intelligence agency.

“It will be fitting if they are taken to USA rather than repatriated to Burma,” said a source close to Nang Lian Kham.

The two are under joint interrogation by the Interpol. They are in the custody of the Special Investigation Team of India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Nang Lian Kham receives a subsistence allowance from the UNHCR as a Burmese refugee. He claimed to be a native of Manipur state, India during interrogation.