Guwahati: Assam Rifles in Mizoram recoeverd ammuggled areca nuts worth Rs 1,03,54,500 at Ruantlang in Champai district on Sunday.

The Assam Rifles in a statement informed that the areca nuts were recovered during an operation carried out by the Serchhip Battalion of HQ 23 Sector Assam Rifle under the aegis of HQ Inspector General Assam Rifles (East).

During the operation, the Assam Rifles troops recovered 521 bags of Areca nuts. However, the operation was carried out by a joint team of 8 Assam Rifles in Champai based on specific input.

The Customs department, Champhai seized the contraband items on Sunday for further legal proceedings.

The statement further reads, “Ongoing smuggling of this supari is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar border. Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ have continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram.”

Earlier on Saturday, Assam Rifles busted another smuggling racket in Mizoram. The force recovered 180 bags of Areca Nuts approximately costing Rs 34,34,400.

The bags were seized in Mizoram’s Champhai Road at the General Area Melbuk after the Assam Rifles received a tip-off.

Additionally, 14 cases of foreign cigarettes were also recovered worth Rs 19,99,400 from Champhai district’s Chhungte area.

The total cost of both the Areca Nuts and Foreign Cigarettes is Rs 54,33,800 and both operations were carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs Department.

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