KANGPOKPI, April 11: In a significant crackdown on smuggling, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles conducted a joint operation on Friday and seized approximately 68 tonnes of Areca nuts—locally known as supari—from the general area of Haibung in Kangpokpi District, Manipur. Seven individuals were apprehended in connection with the illegal consignment, officials confirmed.
The operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the unauthorized transportation of Areca nuts along National Highway-37, which connects Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the New Keithelmanbi Police and Assam Rifles set up a Joint Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) in the Haibung area of Kangpokpi.
During the operation, the joint team intercepted two heavy vehicles, both bearing Nagaland registration numbers, suspected to be involved in the smuggling activity. Upon inspection, approximately 68 tonnes of Areca nuts were discovered on board.
Authorities confirmed that the consignment was being transported without valid documentation, including the essential Transit Permits from the Forest Department. The absence of legal paperwork led to the immediate seizure of the goods and vehicles.
Following the seizure, the entire consignment, along with the vehicles and the apprehended individuals, was handed over to the New Keithelmanbi Forest Beat under the Kangpokpi Forest Division for further legal proceedings and investigation.
