Manipur: Assam Rifles seizes areca nuts worth Rs 1.35 crore

Churachandpur: In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, Assam Rifles apprehended five alleged smugglers and impounded three heavy vehicles used for smuggling areca nuts from Myanmar into Manipur.

The seizure, valued at Rs 1.35 crore in international markets, marks a substantial step towards curbing cross-border smuggling activities.

According to an official statement, the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of contraband items across the India-Myanmar border.

A column of Assam Rifles conducted the operation in the vicinity of Saiboh village in Churachandpur district of Manipur.

The security forces intercepted and seized three trucks laden with approximately 15.7 tons of areca nuts, all of Myanmar origin.

Upon inspection, it was found that the goods carriers were unattended, prompting a thorough search that led to the discovery of the contraband areca nuts concealed within.

Subsequently, the seized trucks and the illicit cargo were handed over to the district forest office in Churachandpur district of Manipur, for further legal proceedings.