Assam Rifles troops deployed in Mizoram have recovered huge consignments of illegal foreign-origin cigarettes and areca nuts during separate operations in Mizoram’s Champhai district.
Both the operations were carried out by the Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ Inspector General Assam Rifles (East).
HQ IGAR (EAST) in a press statement said in its crusade against smuggling activities, the Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles recovered 14 cases of smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes in Chhungte under Champhai district on Saturday.
The approximate value of the recovered foreign-origin cigarettes has been estimated to be Rs 19,99,400.
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“The operation was carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs Department, Champhai based on specific information,” the statement said.
The Customs department of Champhai district seized the contraband items on Saturday for further legal proceedings, the statement said.
“Ongoing smuggling of cigarettes is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar Border. Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ have continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram,” the statement said.
In another operation, the Serchhip Battalion of HQ 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) recovered 180 bags of areca nuts on Melbuk-Champhai Road in Champhai district of Mizoram on Friday.
The approximate value of the recovered items has been estimated to be Rs 34,34,400.
The operation was carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs department, Champhai based on specific information, the statement said.
The Customs department of Champhai seized the contraband items on Friday for further legal proceedings, Assam Rifles informed.
“Ongoing smuggling of areca nuts is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar border,” Assam Rifles said, adding that they have continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram.