Guwahati: A large quantity of foreign-origin cigarettes worth over Rs 5 crore was seized by Assam Rifles in Champhai district of Mizoram on Thursday.
“In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, the Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), recovered 420 cases of foreign origin cigarettes worth Rs 5.46 crore in the Ruantlang area near Tiau river of Champhai district,” read an official statement.
Acting on specific information, Assam Rifles and Custom Preventive Force carried out a joint operation in Champhai district.
According to a senior Assam Rifles official, the Assam Rifles’ soldiers found the items that had been discarded in the Ruantlang area near to the Tiau River.
The recovered cigarettes with foreign origin are estimated to have cost Rs. 5,46,00,000.
The materials were handed over to the Champhai Customs department for further legal action.
Further investigations are underway.