New Delhi: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized around 60,000 kg of smuggled areca nuts during operations in Assam and Mizoram in the North-East region.
The DRI’s Guwahati Zonal Unit carried out the raids earlier this week and on Wednesday after receiving specific intelligence inputs. Officials said the seized consignment contained foreign-origin dried areca nuts.
Investigators found that smugglers moved the areca nuts into India through the Myanmar-Mizoram border. During one operation, the DRI received support from the 38 Battalion of Assam Rifles.
Officials arrested five persons in connection with the smuggling network. Authorities suspect organised groups handled transportation and distribution of the contraband.
The agency said illegal inflow of foreign-origin areca nuts was causing losses to domestic growers. Officials added that such activities also threatened economic security in border regions.
Smuggled areca nuts moved through Myanmar border
According to preliminary findings, smugglers used border routes between Myanmar and Mizoram to transport the consignment into India.
The DRI said investigators were tracing the supply chain and identifying those involved in financing the operation. Officials also intensified surveillance on smuggling routes across the North-East region.
Authorities stated that enforcement agencies would continue crackdowns on illegal trade activities affecting local industries and border security.
