The Assam Rifles under its Director General (South) driving against the smugglers claimed to have recovered approximately Rs 92.37 crores worth of contraband areca nuts packed in 13,365 bags that were recovered during a search operation in the general area of Namlee and Wanglee villages of Manipur’s Kamjong District bordering Myanmar on the east on Friday. an official statement said on Saturday.

Based upon credible inputs from across the border, the troopers of the Assam Rifles guarding the borders along the Manipur-Myanmar border launched a search operation at the suspected areas of Namlee and Wanglee villages. The vigilant troops intercepted a vehicle and discovered several dumps of the contraband areca nuts packed in 13,365 bags worth about Rs 92.37 crores in the regional markets, a defense wing statement said.  

An alleged smuggler was also arrested along with one vehicle engaged in the transportation of the illegal items. Following his interrogation, the unlawful items were discovered from other locations, the source said. The arrested person along with the seized items were handed over to the Forest Beat Officer, Nambashi of the Kamjong district, the statement added.