The Assam Rifles, over the past one week, thwarted the smuggling of areca nuts and seized the same from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, The value of the seized areca nuts is worth over Rs 10 crore in the international market, the IGAR(S) said.
The IGAR(S) said in a statement on Tuesday (September 5), Assam Rifles successfully intercepted a cross-border smuggling operation involving contraband goods in Ukhrul district.
During routine vehicle inspections at PVCP Lambui, the checkpoint personnel observed suspicious activity involving a lone truck and an individual at 5 pm.
Upon conducting a thorough search, it was discovered that Areca Nuts (Supari) were being unlawfully smuggled from Imphal to Dimapur, intended for black market distribution, the IGAR(S) said.
A total of 200 bags of Areca Nuts, valued at Rs 24 Lakh, were seized and subsequently handed over to the Forest Beat Office.
The individual in custody, Nirul Haque of Dimapur, has been transferred to the Custody of SHO Finch Corner for further investigation, the AR said.
The IGAR(S) further informed that Assam Rifles, operating diligently along the Indo-Myanmar border, achieved a significant breakthrough in curbing the illegal smuggling of Areca Nuts (Supari). Between August 27 and August 31, 2023, a vigilant team of Assam Rifles received credible intelligence regarding the movement of contraband items in Kamjong District, Manipur, it stated.
Promptly responding to this intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a strategic operation to secure the suspected area. Thorough search and surveillance efforts led to the discovery of a staggering 958 bags filled with illicit Areca Nuts, valued at approximately Rs 10.848 crore in the international market, the IGAR(S) said.
This illicit cargo was being clandestinely transported in 17 Shaktiman trucks through the General Area Sangka Lok Nala track, perilously close to the international border on the Indian side, it added.
In a decisive action, Assam Rifles intercepted this smuggling operation and confiscated both the 958 bags of Areca Nuts and the 17 Shaktiman vehicles involved. The seized goods, valued at Rs 10.848 crore, were handed over to the Forest Department in Kamjong for further legal proceedings, the IGAR(S) said.
The Assam Rifles said this operation not only safeguards our nation’s interests but also upholds the principles of justice and legality.
