Were Areca Nuts and Drugs Worth Rs 1.18 Crore Seized in Mizoram?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Assam Rifles and law enforcement agencies seized contraband worth Rs 1.18 crore in Mizoram. This operation, targeting illegal drug smuggling from Myanmar, led to the arrest of two suspects and highlights ongoing challenges in combating narcotics trafficking in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Assam Rifles confiscated areca nuts and drugs worth Rs 1.18 crore.
- Two suspects were arrested during the operation.
- Contraband was smuggled from Myanmar, a key source of narcotics.
- Increased vigilance is necessary to combat drug trafficking in the region.
- Collaboration among agencies is crucial in tackling smuggling issues.
Aizawl, May 3 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, successfully confiscated areca nuts and narcotics valued at Rs 1.18 crore and arrested two individuals in Mizoram within the last 24 hours, officials disclosed on Saturday.
A defense spokesperson indicated that, acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal smuggling of areca nuts, the Assam Rifles and Customs initiated an operation on Friday in the Tlangsam region of Mizoram's Champhai district. They seized 187 bags of areca nuts that had been illicitly transported from neighboring Myanmar. Along with the contraband, the truck used for transportation was also confiscated, and the vehicle's driver was apprehended.
The seized goods, the detainee, and the vehicle have been transferred to the Customs Preventive Force in Champhai.
In a separate operation, the Assam Rifles, together with officials from the Mizoram government's Excise and Narcotics Department, conducted a patrol mission towards Zote village in the same Champhai district. During this operation, they confiscated heroin valued at Rs 16.66 lakh and arrested a drug dealer. The confiscated substances and the arrested individual were subsequently handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department in Champhai.
Despite increased security measures, the smuggling of various substances, particularly highly addictive methamphetamine tablets from Myanmar, remains a persistent issue in the northeastern states. Myanmar, sharing a 1,643 km unfenced border with Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, is a critical transit point for drugs, notably heroin and methamphetamine tablets, entering India.
Myanmar's Chin state serves as a central hub for the smuggling of diverse narcotics, exotic wildlife, and assorted contraband through six districts in Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Point of View
This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing drug trafficking in India's northeastern states. The collaboration between Assam Rifles and Customs reflects a proactive approach, but ongoing smuggling activities highlight the need for enhanced vigilance and cross-border cooperation.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized during the operation in Mizoram?
Authorities seized areca nuts and drugs valued at Rs 1.18 crore during the operation.
How many individuals were apprehended?
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
Where were the contraband items smuggled from?
The areca nuts were illicitly smuggled from Myanmar.
What other drugs were confiscated?
In a separate incident, heroin worth Rs 16.66 lakh was also seized.
Why is drug smuggling a concern in northeastern India?
The region shares a long, unfenced border with Myanmar, making it a crucial transit point for various narcotics.
