New Delhi, 25 September 2026: Continuing its crackdown on cross-border smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered approximately Rs. A quantity of 1,25,680 kg of betel nut of foreign origin and 41,697 kg of poppy of foreign origin with a total value of Rs 20.31 crore have been seized. Four people have been arrested in connection with the transportation of smuggled poppy seeds.
In a major intelligence-based operation in Mizoram, DRI with the assistance of Customs Champai, 14th Battalion of Assam Rifles and Champai Police searched three godowns in and around Ruantlang village in Champai district, about 20 km from the India-Myanmar border. All the premises were found closed and in an uninhabitable condition. Investigating the premises approximately Rs. 1,25,680 kg of suspected foreign origin betel nut worth Rs 14 crore and Rs. 25,440 kg of poppy seeds worth Rs 3.81 crore were found. Preliminary investigation has revealed that this item was smuggled into India from Myanmar. The goods were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Earlier, based on specific intelligence regarding transportation of poppy seeds of foreign origin from Mizoram border area to Assam, DRI officials, with the assistance of 38 Battalion Assam Rifles, had stopped two trucks near Lailapur, Silchar. During detailed inspection and search of the vehicles, 290 HDPE bags were found containing 16,257 kg of poppy seeds of foreign origin. The bags bore markings indicating foreign production and trade and the goods were accompanied by no legal import documents. Under Customs Act, 1962 approximately Rs. Poppy seeds worth Rs 2.43 crore and two vehicles were seized. Four people involved in this transportation were arrested.