In a major anti-smuggling operation, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Mizoram Excise Department, and Central Customs seized Burmese areca nuts valued at over Rs 1.1 crore, along with suspected heroin worth Rs 36 lakh, in Champhai district of Mizoram. The operations, conducted based on intelligence inputs, led to the apprehension of a 25-year-old suspect, Lalrempuia, from Zote village, from whom 51.5 grams of heroin was recovered.
In a separate crackdown, Assam Rifles and Customs Preventive Force intercepted trucks carrying Burmese areca nuts in the Keifantlang area, seizing the contraband valued at Rs 1.1 crore. Smuggled through the Indo-Myanmar border, Burmese areca nuts have become a target for security forces due to their demand in the grey market.
Meanwhile, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police foiled another smuggling attempt in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on November 1. Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team intercepted four vehicles at Khuga village, discovering 350 bags of areca nuts valued at Rs 2.4 crore hidden under cartons. The confiscated goods, along with the apprehended individuals and vehicles, were handed over to the divisional forest officer for further investigation.
