What Happened with Myanmar Currency and Tobacco Products Seized in Mizoram?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Assam Rifles personnel seized a substantial amount of Myanmar currency and contraband tobacco products in Mizoram, leading to the arrest of a Myanmar national. This incident highlights ongoing issues with smuggling across the porous borders of Mizoram.
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles seized a large amount of Myanmar currency.
- Tobacco products and foreign cigarettes were also confiscated.
- A Myanmar national was arrested in relation to the smuggling operation.
- Mizoram has a long and porous border with Myanmar, facilitating smuggling.
- Continued vigilance is required to combat smuggling and trafficking.
Aizawl, Jan 20 (NationPress) On Tuesday, personnel from the Assam Rifles executed a significant operation in Mizoram, confiscating an extensive haul of Myanmar currency, tobacco products, and foreign cigarettes, while apprehending a Myanmar national linked to the smuggling efforts, officials reported.
A spokesperson for the Defence stated that the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the trafficking of foreign currency and the illegal transport of tobacco items and foreign cigarettes.
To intercept the illicit consignment, a mobile vehicle check post was set up in the Tuipang region of Siaha district.
The Assam Rifles team successfully stopped an Ashok Leyland tipper truck, during which they discovered Myanmar currency totaling Kyat 1.75 crore, alongside two cases of smuggled tobacco valued at Rs 50,000 and a case of foreign cigarettes worth Rs 1.30 lakh.
One individual involved in this illegal operation was taken into custody by the paramilitary forces.
The detained individual was identified as U. Phyu Maung, a 37-year-old resident of Rakhine state in Myanmar.
The seized goods and the arrested individual were subsequently handed over to the Tuipang Police Station in Siaha district for further legal action.
Previously, on January 16, Assam Rifles personnel intercepted a suspicious vehicle, a Mahindra Yodha, at a road junction in Lungbun village, also in Siaha district.
A detailed search resulted in the recovery of Myanmar currency amounting to Kyat 1,40,82,000 (approximately Rs 1.40 crore). Another individual involved in this illegal transportation was also apprehended.
The confiscated foreign currency and the apprehended suspect were handed over to police authorities for further legal proceedings.
Mizoram shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km porous mountainous border with Bangladesh.
Myanmar’s Chin state serves as a key hub for the smuggling of drugs, exotic wildlife, and other illegal goods through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our security forces, like the Assam Rifles. Such operations not only contribute to national security but also reflect the need for continued vigilance in addressing smuggling and trafficking issues in the region.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized in Mizoram?
Assam Rifles personnel seized a large quantity of Myanmar currency, tobacco products, and foreign cigarettes.
Who was arrested in connection with the smuggling?
A Myanmar national identified as U. Phyu Maung was arrested in connection with the smuggling.
What is the value of the seized Myanmar currency?
The seized Myanmar currency amounted to Kyat 1.75 crore.
Where was the operation conducted?
The operation was conducted in the Tuipang area of Siaha district, Mizoram.
What is the significance of Mizoram's border with Myanmar?
Mizoram shares a 510-km unfenced border with Myanmar, making it a hotspot for smuggling activities.
