Imphal : Assam Rifles (AR) apprehended 3 alleged smugglers along with 442 bags of areca nuts of approximately Rs 4.3632 crores in the regional markets in the operations launched along the Manipur Myanmar border in Kamjong, and Ukhrul Districts during the past 36 hours, a defense wing statement said here on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off, the AR launched the operations to which during a thorough search operation, 442 bags of Areca nuts were recovered, comprising 50 bags at 100 kg each and 392 bags at 80 kg each. These nuts, worth approximately Rs 4.3632 crore, were being illegally smuggled into India in ten Shaktiman vehicles through the international border.

Assam Rifles handed over the seized Areca nuts, vehicles, and apprehended individuals to the Forest Department for further legal proceedings, the statement added.