In Champhai, Assam Rifles recover illegal areca nuts valued at Rs 72.24 lakh

The Assam Rifles confiscated 10,320 kg of illegal areca nuts worth around Rs 72.24 lakh in the Zote region of the Champhai district. The operation, carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Representatives of the Customs Preventive Force, Champhai, resulted in another win in the war against smuggling. The entire package has been turned over to the Champhai Customs Preventive Force for further legal proceedings, the press release stated. The ongoing illegal commodities smuggling is a major issue for the state of Mizoram as well as for India.

Assam Rifles, who are rightfully known as the “Sentinels of Northeast,” have boosted their efforts to apprehend the leaders of the unlawful smuggling of contraband items in Mizoram in addition to continuing their efforts to combat illegal smuggling. According to a press release, the Indian Army’s troops, working with the Assam Rifles, CRPF, and Manipur Police, conducted another successful series of joint operations on January 5 and retrieved 42 weapons, ammunition, and warlike supplies from hill and valley areas in the districts of Imphal West, Chandel, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, and Churcahandpur in Manipur.

Two weapons were found: one modified and one Carbine Machine Gun (CMG).grenades, ammo, warlike supplies, three single-barreled rifles, two 9mm handguns, and a 303 rifle. On December 31, 2024, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police conducted a joint operation in the general area between Thingphai and TS Laijang village in Chandel district, recovering one M-16, three Lathods, seven Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ammunition, and warlike goods.