In their continued efforts against smuggling activities, the Assam Rifles troops deployed in Mizoram seized a consignment of smuggled foreign origin cigarettes.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday by the Serchhip Battalion under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), the HQ IGAR (East) said in a press statement.

During the operation, a total of 23 cases of foreign origin cigarettes were seized in the general area of Chhungte in Champhai district of Mizoram.

The operation was carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs Preventive Force Champhai based on specific information, the Assam Rifles statement said.

It is estimated that the seized foreign origin cigarettes would cost Rs 29.90 lakh in the international market.

The Customs Preventive Force Champhai seized the contraband items and detained two individuals in connection with the seizure.

Ongoing smuggling of drugs is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar border.

“Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ has continued their efforts against the smuggling activities in Mizoram,” the statement added.

Earlier on June 4, 2021, the Serchhip Battalion of 23 Sector Assam Rifles seized nine cases of cigarettes of foreign origin at Chhungte in Mizoram.

The cigarettes were seized during an operation conducted by a joint team of Assam Rifles personnel and the Champhai Customs Preventive Force on the basis of specific inputs.

The Customs Preventive Force Champhai detained an individual in connection with this.

The market value of the seized cigarettes was estimated to be Rs 11,70,000 in the international market.