Smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes worth Rs 52 lakh recovered in Champai

OPERATION 'HUNTERS SMOKE''

CHAMPAI: Under 'Operation Hunters Smoke', a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs Department, Champai, recovered 40 cases of smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes from individuals on March 6. The approximate market value of these seized items is Rs 52,00,000.

The operation was launched based on specific input from own source about suspected movement of illegal goods, stated a release of the Assam Rifles.

The mobile checking patrol was established by COB (Company Operating Base) Champhai, 8 Assam Rifles along the Champhai-Chhungte-Aizawl Road near Chhungte. At about 12:10 am, the team noticed the movement of suspected individuals along with some goods. The people were intercepted by the team and spot checking was carried out.

During checking, it was found that the individuals were carrying the consignment to Aizawl without valid documents and permit. The team apprehended two persons and seized the 40 cases of cigarettes.

The cache included 40 cases of the 'Classic Peacock' cigarette brand. Altogether the consignment has 4,00,000 cigarettes.

The apprehended persons have been identified as Lalnangliana (48 years) son of Thanmawia and resident of KananVeng, Champhai; and Malsawmkima (28 years) son of C Rinliana and resident of Vengthar, also of Champhai.

The recovered items and the individuals were handed over to Customs Preventive Force Champhai districvt for further legal proceedings, added the release.

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