Imphal: Assam Rifles foiled a major cross-border smuggling attempt in the general areas of Bongmol and SL Zougam villages in the Tengnoupal District of Manipur bordering Myanmar on the south and nabbed a total of 12 international smugglers along with several illegal items and also impounded five vehicles used in the shady business.
Based on specific input from across the border that a large number of contraband items are being crossed into the Indian state of Manipur in the Tengnoupal district, troops of the Assam Rifles launched a Mobile Vehicle Check Post on Sunday afternoon.
This was stated in a statement issued by the Defence Wing on Monday.
The ever-alert troops intercepted five vehicles carrying 1,09,000 cigarette packets and 4,096 liquor bottles hidden beneath grocery items.
The values of the confiscated items would be over 50 lakhs in the international black markets.
The demands for foreign cigarettes and liquors are very high in Manipur from where these items would be smuggled into the neighbouring states including Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
A detailed search of the vehicles was carried out and the entire seizure along with 12 individuals and five vehicles was handed over to Machi Police Station.
The seizure and arrests were made at a time when the state is facing a turbulent time due to the communal violence that broke out on May 3, 2023, losing 230 lives.