Three smugglers nabbed with areca nuts worth Rs. 78 lakh in Manipur

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

Around 34 tonnes of areca nuts valued at approximately Rs. 78 lakh in the regional illicit markets were recovered.

The illegal items were loaded in a truck plying towards Imphal from southern parts of Manipur bordering Myanmar, officials said on Wednesday.

Indian authorities have taken up the initiative based on a report that Myanmarese supari, also known as Myanmarese betel nut, is a type of areca nut that is banned in India due to its potential to cause cancer.

Acting on an intelligent input, the troopers of the Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) foiled a major smuggling attempt on Tuesday when around 34 tonnes of areca nuts valued at approximately Rs. 78 Lakh loaded in a truck was seized and three individuals were apprehended, in General Area of Lilong in Manipur's Thoubal District.

The apprehended individuals, the seized items, and the vehicles were handed over to the Forest Department, Thoubal District for further legal proceedings.