AIZAWL: A major consignment of suspected illegally imported foreign-origin cigarettes, estimated to be worth ₹2.52 crore, was seized during an anti-smuggling operation in Mizoram’s Champhai district, officials said.
The operation was conducted on August 22 at Tuipui after Assam Rifles received credible intelligence regarding the movement of the contraband.
Acting in coordination with the Legal Metrology Department, Champhai, the security personnel intercepted the consignment and recovered a total of 105 cases of foreign-origin cigarettes.
According to Assam Rifles, the seized stock comprised 60 cases of Mond cigarettes, 27 cases of V cigarettes and 18 cases of ORIS Silver cigarettes.
A Tata Sumo Gold vehicle allegedly used for transporting the consignment was also seized during the operation. One person was apprehended in connection with the case.
Following the seizure, the cigarettes, vehicle and the apprehended individual were handed over to the Legal Metrology Department, Champhai, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Champhai district, which shares an international border with Myanmar, has remained an important focus area for security and enforcement agencies carrying out operations against cross-border smuggling.
The latest operation marks another significant seizure in the continuing efforts of Assam Rifles and other enforcement agencies to curb the illegal movement of foreign-origin goods through the region.
