A recent crackdown by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the North-East region resulted in the confiscation of over 71 lakh smuggled cigarette sticks in the past two months. The seized cigarettes, with a market value of around Rs 14 crore, were of foreign origin and included brands like Mond, XSo, ORIS, and Patron.
In Mizoram, the DRI, with the assistance of the 34th Battalion, Assam Rifles, seized more than 45 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes on June 11. This operation led to the arrest of one individual connected to the smuggling racket. Investigations suggest that these cigarettes were smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border.
In separate operations over the past few weeks, an additional 26 lakh smuggled cigarettes were confiscated, resulting in the apprehension of three more suspects. Last month, joint operations in Mizoram by the Assam Rifles and other agencies led to the seizure of foreign cigarettes and methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 35.71 crore.
Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Excise and Narcotics Department, thwarted a drug trafficking attempt in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, recovering a significant quantity of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets. Additionally, in coordination with DRI sleuths, Assam Rifles intercepted a truck transporting illegal foreign cigarettes, recovering a substantial quantity valued at approximately Rs 5.23 crore.
