New Delhi : In a major crackdown on smuggling activities in the North-East region, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Guwahati Zonal Unit, has seized nearly 60,000 kilograms of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts during two separate operations conducted yesterday and earlier this week in Assam and Mizoram.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials carried out coordinated operations that led to the seizure of the contraband consignment. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the foreign-origin dried areca nuts were illegally smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Myanmar-Mizoram border route.
During one of the operations, the DRI team was assisted by the 38 Battalion of the Assam Rifles. Authorities have arrested five persons in connection with the smuggling network so far, and further investigations are underway to identify other individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Officials stated that the illegal influx of areca nuts from neighbouring countries is causing significant economic losses to domestic areca nut growers and adversely affecting economic security in border regions. The enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to curb cross-border smuggling activities and strengthen vigilance along sensitive routes.