Churachandpur, Manipur — In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Assam Rifles intercepted a substantial consignment of illegal Areca nuts valued at approximately Rs 2.4 crore in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.
The raid, carried out in the early hours of November 1, targeted a convoy of four vehicles, including three goods carrier trucks and one Tata DI, attempting to transport 350 sacks of Areca nuts through Khuga village.
According to an official press release from the Assam Rifles, personnel were acting on precise intelligence regarding the movement of the contraband. At around 2 a.m., they set up a vehicle check post at Khuga, where they intercepted and thoroughly inspected the convoy.
During the check, the Areca nuts were discovered concealed under covers and cartons inside the vehicles.
Following a joint interrogation by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, all four vehicles and their cargo were handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer of Churachandpur for further investigation and legal action.
The Assam Rifles’ press statement read: “On Nov 1, three goods carrier trucks and one Tata DI loaded with illegal Areca nuts tried to cross Khuga Village at around 2 a.m. Assam Rifles, acting on specific input from sources, launched a column to foil the smuggling. Personnel intercepted the convoy at the vehicle check post established at Khuga, and upon inspection, found the vehicles carrying 350 sacks of illegal Areca nuts hidden beneath covers and cartons.”
This operation highlights the Assam Rifles’ continued vigilance in curbing smuggling activities along Manipur’s borders, especially as such illegal consignments can have significant economic and social impacts on the region.
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