The Assam Rifles, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, seized contraband worth approximately Rs 2.86 crore during four separate operations across Mizoram and arrested 10 suspected smugglers and drug peddlers. The seizures included heroin, poppy seeds, dry areca nuts and foreign-origin cigarettes, officials said on October 9. The operations were conducted in coordination with customs authorities and state police as part of efforts to curb illegal cross-border trafficking and strengthen security in the northeastern state.

In the first operation, Assam Rifles personnel and the Aizawl District Executive Force intercepted two trucks at Seling. A search led to the recovery of 210 sacks of dry areca nuts valued at around Rs 1.03 crore and 90 sacks of poppy seeds worth approximately Rs 72 lakh. The total value of the seized goods was estimated at Rs 1.75 crore. Officials suspected that the consignments had been smuggled from neighbouring Myanmar. Two individuals were apprehended, and the seized goods and vehicles were handed over to the Customs Department for further legal proceedings.

In a separate operation, the Assam Rifles and the Customs Preventive Force recovered 28 cases of foreign-origin cigarettes at Zokhawthar and Mualkawi in Mizoram's Champhai district. The consignment comprised eight cases of Esse Lights cigarettes and 20 cases of V-brand cigarettes, with an estimated market value of Rs 67.20 lakh. Three suspected smugglers, including one Myanmar national, were apprehended during the operation. The individuals and seized cigarettes were subsequently handed over to the Customs Preventive Force in Champhai for further investigation.

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The third operation took place in the Ngopa area of Saitual district, where Assam Rifles personnel and state police intercepted a car based on intelligence inputs. A search uncovered 14 soap cases containing 167 grams of heroin, estimated to be worth Rs 33.40 lakh. Two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in connection with the seizure. The recovered substance, vehicle and individuals were handed over to Ngopa Police Station for further investigation under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

In the fourth operation, Assam Rifles personnel intercepted three suspected drug peddlers near Sailiamkawn Junction in Serchhip district. The operation resulted in the recovery of 54.28 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs 10.85 lakh. The seized substance and the individuals were handed over to Sailiamkawn Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking activities as part of the ongoing investigation.

Mizoram shares an international border with Myanmar and has been identified as a route for the illegal movement of narcotics and other contraband into India. Its proximity to the Golden Triangle, a region associated with illicit drug production in Southeast Asia, presents continuing challenges for border security agencies. Officials said the latest seizures reflect ongoing efforts by the Assam Rifles and other agencies to prevent smuggling and strengthen security in border areas. Further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances of the four operations and determine whether additional individuals were involved.

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