Imphal : A total of 144 bags of raw betel nuts valued at around Rs 8.64 lakhs smuggling into Manipur (India) from Myanmar was recovered from a truck and two alleged smugglers were nabbed during the checking of vehicles at Military Vehicle Camouflage Pattern (MVCP). One truck used in the crime has also been impounded, a defense wing statement said here on Thursday.

During checking of vehicles at MVCP Bungdung, Kamjong district of Manipur bordering Myanmar on the east the check post spotted suspicious movement of one truck with two individuals at 0400 hrs loaded with some suspicious items. On thorough search, betel Nuts (Supari) were found being illegally smuggled from Namlee market to Ukhrul and further for black market sale.

A total of 144 bags of Areca Nuts valued at Rs 8.64 lakh were recovered which were further handed over to the Forest Beat Office, the statement said.The arrests and seizures were made on Wednesday, the statement said .The apprehended individuals, Nashir Khan and Md Yafo of Yairipok village, Imphal East, Manipur were handed over to  Khassom Khullen police station for further investigations, the statement added.