Custom seizes 148 bags of poppy seeds, illegal areca nuts in two operations

In two separate operations in Champhai, Mizoram, the Serchhip Battalion of the Mizoram Range, under the supervision of Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), confiscated 48 bags of poppy seeds and 100 bags of illegal areca nuts, according to officials.
On Friday, the seizure was conducted in two locations in Champhai. According to officials, about 30 bags of poppy seeds and 18 bags of illicit areca nuts were found in Melbuk while 100 bags of areca nuts were found in the New Champhai. Items seized in the two operations were reportedly worth approximately Rs 57.64 lakh.
According to officials, the joint operations were carried out by a combined team of Company Operating Base (COB) Champhai, COB Zokhawthar of Mizoram range Assam Rifles, Custom Department Champhai and Land Custom Station Zokhawthar based on specific information.
During the operation, 30 bags of Poppy seeds were recovered which were hidden off the track in New Champhai in another operation 100 bags of illegal Areca nuts and 18 bags of Poppy seeds were recovered in Gen Area Melbuk.
The entire consignment has been handed over to Custom Department Champhai and Land Custom Station Zokhawthar for further legal proceedings.
The ongoing smuggling of contraband items is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India, officials said.
Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the ‘Sentinels of Northeast’ have continued their efforts against illegal smuggling and have also doubled their efforts to nab the kingpins of the smuggling in Mizoram.