Assam Rifles Arrest Ten Smugglers in Mizoram, Seize Drugs Worth ₹2.86 Crore

Aizawl, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Rifles, alongside other law enforcement agencies, has apprehended ten smugglers and drug dealers in Mizoram during four separate operations. Authorities reported on Friday that the seizures included heroin, opium, dried betel nut, and foreign cigarettes, valued at ₹2.86 crore.

A defense spokesperson indicated that a joint operation with the Aizawl district executive force led to the interception of two trucks in the Selling area. These trucks were allegedly transporting dried betel nut and poppy seeds smuggled from neighboring Myanmar.

The joint team confiscated 210 bags of dried betel nut, worth approximately ₹1.03 crore, and 90 bags of poppy seeds valued at around ₹72 lakh. The total estimated value of the seized restricted goods reached ₹1.75 crore.

Poppy seeds are derived from the opium plant and are commonly used in cooking and baking. However, legal restrictions exist on their transport and trade due to their association with opium production.

During this operation, two smugglers were also arrested. The detained individuals, along with the seized vehicles and illegal goods, were handed over to the customs department for further legal proceedings.

In a second operation, based on intelligence regarding the smuggling of restricted items, Assam Rifles collaborated with the customs preventive force to conduct raids near the crossing point-2 in the Champhai district of Mizoram. The team recovered 28 cartons of foreign cigarettes, including eight cartons of ‘Esse Lights’ and 20 cartons of ‘V-brand’ cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₹67.20 lakh.

Three smugglers, including a Myanmar national, were arrested during this operation. The seized materials and detainees were transferred to the customs preventive force in Champhai for further investigation and legal action.

In a third operation, Assam Rifles initiated a raid in the Gopa area of the Saitual district, coordinated with state police based on intelligence. During the operation, troops stopped a vehicle and discovered 14 soap boxes containing 167 grams of heroin, estimated to be worth ₹33.40 lakh.

This operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers. The confiscated materials, the vehicle, and the detainees were handed over to the Ngopa police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

In the fourth operation, based on credible intelligence regarding drug trafficking, Assam Rifles conducted a raid in the Sailiamakwan junction area of the Serchhip district. The team captured three suspected drug traffickers and recovered 54.28 grams of heroin, with an estimated market value of ₹10.85 lakh.

An official statement emphasized that these seizures reflect the ongoing commitment of Assam Rifles to combat drug trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities, ensuring the safety of residents in the border areas of Mizoram.