DRI seizes over 125,000 kg foreign-origin smuggled areca nuts and 41,000 kg poppy seeds worth around Rs. 20.31 crore in Assam and Mizoram in a crackdown on cross-border smuggling; four arrested
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized over 125,000 kg of foreign-origin areca nuts and 41,000 kg of poppy seeds worth around Rs. 20.31 crore in Assam and Mizoram. The operations targeted cross-border smuggling from Myanmar, resulting in four arrests. These actions highlight efforts to curb illicit trade through the India-Myanmar border.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams testing current affairs related to government agency actions, security, and customs enforcement in India.
In Simple Words
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted operations in Assam and Mizoram to stop cross-border smuggling. They seized foreign-origin areca nuts and poppy seeds worth about Rs. 20.31 crore.
During the raids near the Indo-Myanmar border and Silchar, authorities arrested four individuals and recovered goods smuggled into India without valid documents under the Customs Act, 1962.
Key Points
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 1,25,680 kg of foreign-origin areca nuts and 41,697 kg of foreign-origin poppy seeds.
- The total estimated value of the seized goods is approximately Rs. 20.31 crore.
- Four persons were arrested in connection with the transportation of smuggled poppy seeds.
- Operations took place in Mizoram and Assam on September 22-24, 2026.
- Areca nuts worth Rs. 14 crore and poppy seeds worth Rs. 3.81 crore were recovered from godowns in Champhai District, Mizoram.
- Poppy seeds worth Rs. 2.43 crore were intercepted in two trucks near Lailapur, Silchar, Assam.
- The goods were smuggled into India from Myanmar.
- Poppy seeds are classified as a Restricted item under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy.
Exam Angle
A. Approximately Rs. 20.31 crore
Source: Press Information Bureau