Assam Rifles
The seized foreign cigarettes.

In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles troops deployed in Mizoram along with the customs department seized 15 cases of foreign cigarettes.

The market value of the seized foreign cigarettes would be Rs 19.50 lakh.

Also read: Myanmar nationals arrested with weapons in Mizoram

The joint operation was carried out by the Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) along with the customs department near the India-Myanmar border.

The operation was carried out based on specific information, it said.

Also read: Mizoram: Consignment of foreign cigarettes worth over 97 lakhs seized by Assam Rifles

The illegal items were seized by the customs department for further legal proceedings, it added.

Ongoing smuggling of drugs and other contraband items is a major cause of concern for Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar border.

Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ has continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram, the HQ IGAR (East) stated.

Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, Assam Rifles troops and Mizoram Police on Wednesday nabbed two Myanmar nationals near the India-Myanmar border.

The joint team recovered automatic rifles of Myanmar origin and live ammunition during the operation near Sekul river between Zochachhuah and Vareng villages in Mizoram’s southernmost Lawngtlai district, Assam Rifles said in a statement.