Guwahati: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 43.2 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes worth Rs 8.64 crore in Mizoram, intercepting a truck suspected of carrying smuggled tobacco from Myanmar to Aizawl.
The seizure was made at Tuirial village along the Champhai–Aizawl road following an intelligence-led operation by the DRI’s Aizawl Regional Unit.
Acting on specific information about a truck transporting a large consignment of foreign-origin cigarettes, DRI officers mounted surveillance along the highway and intercepted the vehicle.
A search of the truck led to the recovery of 432 cases containing 43.2 lakh sticks of ‘Patron’ brand cigarettes, valued at Rs 8.64 crore, according to the DRI.
The cigarette packets were found to be missing the mandatory pictorial and health warnings prescribed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
The cigarettes and the truck were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, while the driver was arrested.
Preliminary investigation suggests the consignment was smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the international border before being transported to Aizawl.
The seizure highlights the use of cross-border routes in Mizoram for the illegal movement of foreign-origin tobacco products.
The DRI said the operation was part of its efforts to dismantle smuggling networks and strengthen enforcement along vulnerable international border routes.