Assam Rifles Confiscate 68 Tonnes of Areca Nuts Worth Rs 5.87 Crore Smuggled from Myanmar in Manipur
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Synopsis
On April 12, the Assam Rifles seized 68 tonnes of areca nuts valued at Rs 5.87 crore in Manipur. The operation revealed the consignment was illegally transported from Myanmar without proper permits, affecting local farmers in Assam and Mizoram.
Key Takeaways
- 68 tonnes of areca nuts seized.
- Value estimated at Rs 5.87 crore.
- Illegal transportation from Myanmar.
- Impact on local farmers in the region.
- Government initiatives for processing and marketing.
Imphal, April 12 (NationPress) Following operations in Mizoram, the Assam Rifles have confiscated 68 tonnes of illicit areca nuts valued at Rs 5.87 crore in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, as reported by officials on Friday.
A Defence spokesperson stated that, acting on reliable intelligence regarding the illegal transportation of areca nuts on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), a Joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was set up by the Assam Rifles and local police at Haibung in Kangpokpi District.
During the operation, the joint forces intercepted two trucks (registered in Nagaland) carrying an estimated 68 tonnes of areca nuts worth Rs 5.87 crore. Upon detailed inspection, it was discovered that the shipment was being transported without the required documentation, including essential transit permits from the forest department.
The confiscated consignment, along with both vehicles, was turned over to the forest officials of Kangpokpi Forest Division for further legal proceedings and investigation.
The hilly Kangpokpi District shares its borders with Nagaland.
According to police officials, the areca nuts, commonly referred to as Burmese Betel nuts, were illegally brought in from Myanmar. The Assam Rifles, Customs, and police frequently apprehend Burmese areca nuts in Mizoram after their smuggling from Myanmar.
The extensive smuggling of areca nuts from Myanmar is significantly impacting farmers in Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura, where betel nuts are cultivated in large quantities.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently stated that the illegal influx of areca nut from Myanmar has posed severe challenges for local growers in selling their produce at competitive prices.
While speaking at a training-cum-seminar on 'Scientific Methods of Cultivation of Areca Nut and Pest Management', he highlighted that the government is actively working to alleviate these challenges and implement corrective measures. He announced that Rs 7.43 crore has been allocated by the North Eastern Council (NEC) for setting up processing units for areca nuts at Chemphai and Zamuang.
He mentioned that these units would ensure the proper processing of areca nuts, create value-added products, and assist in marketing. Lalduhoma also emphasized the need for optimal use of available resources to boost productivity and economic returns for farmers.
