Agartala, Dec 29: In a major crackdown on illegal smuggling activities, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Customs Department, seized a large consignment of contraband cigarettes from Chakmaghat area in Teliamura under Khowai district on Monday.
According to an official press release, the operation was launched at around 9:15 am following specific intelligence inputs received from own sources and 11 WEU. Acting swiftly on the information, the joint team set up a check and intercepted a Tata truck bearing registration number TR-01-AP-1717 for inspection.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, the security personnel recovered a massive consignment of 6.5 lakh contraband cigarettes, packed in 65 cartons. The seized cigarettes have been valued at approximately Rs 65 lakh in the international market, highlighting the scale of the smuggling attempt.
The operation continued for several hours and concluded at around 1:30 pm. During the interception, the driver of the truck, identified as Giashuddin (36), a resident of Baitakhal Basti in Patharkandi area of Assam’s Karimganj district, was apprehended on the spot.
Following the seizure, the apprehended individual, along with the recovered contraband cigarettes and the vehicle used for transportation, was handed over to the Customs authorities for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the law.
Officials said preliminary questioning suggests that the cigarettes were being transported illegally, possibly for distribution in different parts of the region. Customs officials are now probing the source of the consignment and the intended destination to identify the wider smuggling network involved.
The Assam Rifles reiterated its firm commitment to curb smuggling and other illegal activities in the region. “Assam Rifles, in close coordination with Customs and other enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in its resolve to prevent illegal trade and ensure security along key transit routes,” the press release said.
The seizure is being seen as a significant success in ongoing efforts to counter cross-border smuggling and illicit trade, which pose serious challenges to the economy and security of the northeastern region.
