Contraband worth over Rs 141 crore seized in Assam ahead of Lok Sabha polls

GUWAHATI: Various agencies have seized over Rs 141 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs and other items in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Assam.

This was informed by the election commission of India (ECI) on Monday (April 15).

According to data shared by the ECI, cash seizures from March 01 to April 13 amounted to Rs 3.18 crore across Assam.

Additionally, nearly 16 lakh litres of liquor, valued at more than Rs 19 crore, were recovered by various agencies during this period in Assam.

The commission also reported that drugs worth Rs 48.77 crore were seized during the review period.

Furthermore, precious metals worth Rs 44.22 crore and “freebies or other items” worth Rs 25.68 crore were recovered by state and central agencies.

Overall, seizures totalling Rs 141.12 crore were made during the 44-day period, according to the poll panel.

These recoveries were the result of search operations conducted by the Assam police, flying squads, static surveillance teams, excise, and other enforcement and regulatory agencies across various parts of Assam.

Voting for 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam is scheduled to take place at 28,645 polling stations over three phases on April 19, 26, and May 7.