A massive illegal consignment of foreign cigarettes has been seized by the troopers of Assam Rifles in Mizoram’s Champhai district.  

The consignment of foreign cigarettes has been estimated to be of worth over Rs 1.31 crores.  

“The operation was carried out by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Customs department Champhai based on specific information,” read a statement from the Assam Rifles.  

The statement adds: “Approximate cost of the sized foreign origin cigarettes, Mkt value – Rs. 1,31,17,000/- recovered items handed over to Customs Preventive Force Champhai.” 

Also read: Assam’s ‘war on drugs’: Heroin worth Rs 7 crore seized in Sonapur near Guwahati, six arrested  

As many as 100 cases and 45 loose packets of foreign cigarettes were seized in the operation from Maulkawi-Hruaikwn road area in Champhai district of Mizoram.  

One person has also been arrested in connection with the recovery.  

“Ongoing smuggling of drugs is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram, especially along the India-Myanmar Border,” the Assam Rifles said.