IMPHAL, April 18: Assam Rifles foiled a significant timber smuggling operation and seized timber worth Rs 14.28 lakh during an operation launched in the Kampang Khullen area of Tengnoupal district, Manipur, on Wednesday, April 16.
As many as 23 trucks, which were illegally transporting timber without valid transit permits, were intercepted during the operation.
“The operation aimed to curb illegal smuggling of forest produce, a major funding source for Valley Based Insurgent Groups,” the Assam Rifles stated in an official release issued on Friday.
The drivers of the intercepted trucks were detained after failing to produce valid documentation. Consequently, both the vehicles and the timber were seized by the security forces.
The Forest Department was subsequently informed and conducted a field verification on the same day. Based on a written correspondence from the district Forest Office, the trucks were released on Thursday, the statement further added.
According to Forest officials, the estimated value of the seized timber stood at approximately Rs 14.28 lakh.
