Imphal: In its efforts to curtail illegal activities and to uphold legal and ethical standards, 13 individuals have been apprehended on the charge of smuggling betel nuts and an equal number of heavy vehicles reportedly used in the smuggling from Myanmar to Manipur state have also been impounded, a defense wing statement said on Friday.
In yet another significant seizure, encompassing 1337 bags of areca/betel nuts, weighing approximately 113.52 tonnes and valued at Rs. 13.6224 crore in the regional black markets have been confiscated, the statement said.
In response to credible intelligence indicating the unlawful transportation of areca nuts in the regions of General Area Kangpat Centre, a search operation was launched.
This operation successfully intercepted a total of thirteen trucks that were involved in the illegal transportation of areca nuts, lacking the necessary valid documentation.
The intercepted goods were intended for unauthorized distribution within the black market.
Upon thorough inspection, the search operation resulted in a significant seizure, encompassing 1337 bags of areca/betel nuts, weighing approximately 113.52 tonnes and valued at Rs. 13.6224 crore in the regional black markets.
The smugglers, confiscated goods and impounded vehicles were handed over to the Forest Beat Officer of Kamjong District, the statement added.