Imphal, Feb 16: Troops of the Assam Rifles intercepted a major cigarette smuggling operation in Manipur’s Noney district on February 15, recovering contraband valued at ₹2.9 crore.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding cigarette smuggling activities, personnel established a mobile vehicle checkpoint along State Highway-06. During the operation, a vehicle travelling from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi was stopped for inspection.
Upon searching the vehicle, troops recovered 23 cartons of Gudang Garam cigarettes and 65 cartons of Mond Variance cigarettes concealed inside, according to the Headquarters Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East).
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the seizure. The confiscated cigarettes, along with the vehicle, have been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the operation underscores continued efforts by security forces to dismantle smuggling networks operating along Manipur’s highway routes, which are often used to transport contraband goods across the state.
