Manipur: Assam Rifles foil cross-border smuggling of areca nuts worth Rs 2.2 crore

Imphal: The vigilant troops of the Assam Rifles in its continuous drives against the cross-border smugglings, apprehended three individuals on suspicion of smuggling of illegal items from across the Myanmar border.

Around 18.6 tonnes of areca nuts valued at approximately Rs 2.2320 crore in the regional illicit markets were recovered.

The illegal items were loaded in three trucks plying towards Imphal from eastern parts of Manipur bordering Myanmar, officials said on Monday.

Committed to preventing the smuggling of contraband items, the Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) foiled yet another cross-border smuggling of contraband in the state when its vigilant troops based on an intelligence report launched a search operation in the general area Kangpat Center, Kamjong District of Manipur bordering Myanmar on the east on Sunday.

The operation successfully intercepted three trucks that were involved in the illegal transportation of areca nuts lacking the necessary valid documentation.

Upon thorough inspection areca nuts weighing approximately 18.6 tonnes (186 bags), valued at Rs 2.2320 crore were seized.

The confiscated areca nuts along with the drivers of the trucks were handed over to the Forest Beat Officer of Kamjong District for further investigation.