Assam Rifles and Manipur Police Nab Two with ₹2 Crore Worth of Foreign Cigarettes
News Summary
In a significant operation on May 21, 2025, a joint team of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police apprehended two individuals in Savomphai, Jiribam district, Manipur. The duo was caught with 98 bags of foreign cigarettes, each containing 1,000 packets, totaling approximately ₹2 crore in value. Investigations suggest the contraband was transported by boat from Tipaimukh and was intended for smuggling into Bangladesh.
The Operation: A Closer Look
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a coordinated operation in Savomphai, Jiribam district. The area, known for its proximity to the international border, has been a hotspot for smuggling activities.
During the operation, authorities intercepted two individuals transporting 98 bags of foreign cigarettes. Each bag contained 1,000 packets, bringing the total to 98,000 packets. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is around ₹2 crore.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment had been transported by boat from Tipaimukh, a region near the India-Myanmar border. The smugglers intended to move the goods into Bangladesh, highlighting the transnational nature of the smuggling network.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Manipur a hotspot for smuggling activities?
Manipur’s location, sharing borders with Myanmar and its proximity to Bangladesh, makes it a strategic transit point for smugglers transporting contraband goods across countries.
Q2: What are the common items smuggled through Manipur?
Commonly smuggled items include foreign cigarettes, narcotics, arms, and other contraband goods that are either brought into India or transported to neighboring countries.
Q3: How do smuggling activities impact the local economy?
Smuggling leads to significant tax revenue losses for the government and adversely affects local businesses by introducing untaxed, often cheaper, goods into the market.
Q4: What measures are being taken to combat smuggling in the region?
Law enforcement agencies are enhancing border surveillance, conducting joint operations, and engaging with local communities to gather intelligence and deter smuggling activities.
Q5: How can the public assist in preventing smuggling?
Public awareness and cooperation are vital. Reporting suspicious activities to authorities can aid in the timely interception of smuggling operations and contribute to regional security.
