Mizoram: Assam Rifles recovered areca nuts worth Rs 2.072 crore at Chhungte-Aizawl Road

Mizoram: In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles, recovered 370 bags of Areca nuts weighing 29,600 Kg worth rupees 2.072 crore in general area of Chhungte-Aizawl Road, Champhai district on Tuesday.   

The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles & Customs Department, Champhai based on specific information in Champhai. During the operation, 370 bags of Areca nuts were recovered in general area of Chhungte-Aizawl Road. The entire consignment of Areca nuts worth Rs 2,07,2, 0,000 (rupees two crore seven lakhs twenty thousand only) has been handed over to Customs Preventive Force, Champhai for further legal proceedings.

Earlier, in ongoing battle against illicit trade railway police authorities at Lumding Railway Junction in Assam have uncovered substantial smuggling racket. During targeted operation on Awadh Assam Express, authorities seized massive shipment of Burmese areca nuts. The estimated worth of confiscated goods is nearly Rs. 50 lakhs.

The operation involving a raid on train yielded 250 sacks filled with areca nuts. This sheds light on extensive scope of illicit trade activities under scrutiny.

Officials familiar with case have raised concerns. A larger network may be orchestrating daily smuggling operations from Assam to various states. This discovery serves as stark reminder of persistent challenge posed by organized smuggling activities in the region.

Last year, Assam Rifles successfully halted major cross-border smuggling endeavor They culminated in arrest of 24 suspected smugglers. Also, confiscation of 52.1 tonnes of areca nuts valued at Rs. 6.25 crore in regional markets. The operation unfolded in General Area Phaikoh of Manipur's Kamjong District. This district is situated along border with Myanmar to east.

The smuggling endeavor involved convoy of 12 Shaktiman trucks. These were heavily laden with contraband. They intercepted as they made way from international border towards Indian side. This intervention was possible through actionable intelligence gleaned from sources operating across border.

Apprehension of the 24 individuals, identified as either drivers or co-drivers of smuggling vehicles stands as notable triumph against illicit cross-border activities. Swiftly captured, these individuals now face legal proceedings. The seized areca nuts boasting significant value in regional markets, have been secured. They are preventing their entry into illegal channels.

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