New Delhi, June 4 (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out a major operation against an organized smuggling network involved in the illegal import of dried areca nuts from Myanmar across the Mizoram–Myanmar border. The agency conducted search operations at nine locations in Champhai, a border town in Mizoram. The raids primarily targeted the residences and business establishments of key local associates linked to the smuggling syndicate.

According to the ED, the investigation revealed that the accused were bringing large quantities of illegal areca nuts into India from Myanmar through the Tiau River route. The contraband was subsequently stored in local warehouses and later introduced into the market as legally procured goods by using fake e-way bills and forged documents purportedly showing local purchases.

The agency stated that the illegal trade generated proceeds amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees, which were subsequently concealed and laundered through various channels in an attempt to project them as legitimate assets and income.

The ED’s preliminary investigation has further revealed that the accused exploited their tribal identity in the border region to act as “front claimants” before customs authorities. They allegedly used old and unrelated import documents to secure the release of seized smuggled consignments and falsely claimed lawful ownership of the goods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar