Manipur: Assam Rifles seize Myanmar cigarettes, foreign liquor worth Rs 80 lakh

Imphal: The Assam Rifles apprehended two alleged cross-border smugglers and seized a large consignment of Myanmar-origin cigarettes and foreign-origin liquor worth approximately Rs 80 lakh from two vehicles at Yangoubung, Tengnoupal, under the Moreh police station in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, with Myanmar to the south.

The arrests and seizures were conducted during a special operation on Saturday, officials reported on Sunday.

Based on intelligence inputs from across the Myanmar border indicating that some anti-social elements were attempting to engage in a shady deal, the Assam Rifles were on high alert at the vulnerable locations.

During the operation, the vehicles were intercepted at the Yangoubung check post while they were en route from Moreh to Imphal on the NH-102.

Acting on suspicion, the AR personnel conducted a thorough search.

It recovered 20 cartons of Myanmar cigarettes and several liquor brands, including Myanmar-origin Jockey Gold liquor, Juntus Beer, Sterling Reserve whiskey, Magic Moments vodka, and McDowell's whiskey, from the vehicles. The drivers, along with the seized items, were detained.

The Assam Rifles press statement stated that the apprehended smugglers, the seized items, and the impounded vehicles were later transferred to the Moreh police station for further legal proceedings.

Police sources confirmed that interrogation of the arrested drivers is underway, and efforts are on to identify others involved in the smuggling network.

The police, however, added that the names of the arrestees were withheld for security reasons.