As part of their efforts against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles troops deployed in Mizoram seized a huge cache of smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes in the state worth Rs 52 lakh.

Assam Rifles said they carried out an operation on the basis of specific inputs from their own source about the suspected movement of illegal goods.

On being informed about the movement of smuggled goods, a mobile vehicle check (MVCP) was set up by the COB (Company Operating Base) Champhai, 8 Assam Rifles along Champhai-Chhungte-Aizawl Road near Chhungte (jointly with officials of the customs department.

“On March 6, 2021 at about 12:10 am, the team noticed the movement of suspected individuals along with some goods. The individuals were intercepted by the team and a spot-checking was carried out,” Assam Rifles stated.

During checking, it was found that the individuals were carrying 40 cases of smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes,

“The individuals were trying to transship the illegally smuggled cigarettes to Aizawl without valid docus and permit,” the Assam Rifles claimed.

The team apprehended two persons and seized the 40 cases of cigarettes, it added.

The joint team seized 40 cases (Total 4,00,000 sticks) of Classic Peacock cigarette.
(Total 4,00,000 sticks)

The apprehended persons have been identified as 48-year-old Lalnangliana, son of Thanmawia, a resident of Kanan Veng in Champhai district.

The other arrested person is 28-year-old CVL Malsawmkima, son of C Rinliana, a resident of Vengthar in Champhai district.

The recovered items and individuals have been handed over to Customs Preventive Force Champhai Dist for further legal proceedings.