Synopsis
On February 22, the Assam Rifles and law enforcement seized ganja and other contraband worth Rs 11 crore in Tripura and Mizoram, arresting four individuals in the process.Key Takeaways
- Over Rs 11 crore worth of drugs seized.
- Operation conducted by Assam Rifles and Customs.
- Counterfeit cigarettes valued at Rs 42.50 lakh confiscated.
- Illegal Areca nuts worth Rs 26.88 lakh seized.
- Ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in northeastern states.
Agartala/Aizawl, Feb 22 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles alongside other law enforcement agencies confiscated substantial amounts of ganja (marijuana) and various contraband items valued at approximately Rs 11 crore and detained four individuals in Tripura and Mizoram on Saturday, officials reported.
A Defence spokesperson indicated that during a decisive offensive against narcotics trafficking, Assam Rifles personnel, in collaboration with Customs officials, recovered 2286.9 kg of marijuana, estimated to be worth Rs 10.29 crore, from Bejoynagar village in West Tripura district. Two suspects were also taken into custody regarding the seizure of the dry ganja, which was discovered in a plantation area. The confiscated ganja and the arrested individuals have been transferred to Customs for further legal proceedings.
This successful operation is part of the ongoing initiatives by Assam Rifles to combat illicit activities along border regions and bolster national security, the spokesperson stated.
In Mizoram, following specific intelligence, Assam Rifles personnel seized counterfeit cigarettes valued at Rs 42.50 lakh from the Chhungte locality in Champhai district on Saturday. The counterfeit cigarettes, packed in 1250 cartons, were located in an abandoned jungle area. In another operation, the paramilitary troops discovered illegal Areca nuts contained in 48 bags from a concealed location in Hmunhmeltha area of the same Champhai district on Saturday. The Areca nuts, which were smuggled from Myanmar, are worth Rs 26.88 lakh.
In a fourth operation, Assam Rifles personnel apprehended two individuals, identified as Zoremsiama (23) and Andrew (30), in the Tuipang area of Siaha district on Saturday, seizing ganja (marijuana) valued at Rs 95,000. The marijuana, illicitly cultivated in extensive areas of several northeastern states, including Tripura, is smuggled to other parts of India to be used as inexpensive narcotics.
Mizoram boasts a 510 km long unfenced border with Myanmar’s Chin state, facilitating rampant drug trafficking through its six districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. The Champhai district is particularly notorious for drug smuggling activities originating from Myanmar.
