Imphal: Assam Rifles troops Tuesday busted a major narcotics trafficking racket in Tengnoupal and seized Rs 47.50 crore worth opium.
Assam Rifles official said troops of Assam Rifles and Territorial Army launched an operation last night near the Indo-Myanmar border to intercept a consignment of drugs. Later, the troops intercepted two modified Shaktiman vehicles plying in the area and recovered nearly 8000 kg of opium seeds worth over Rs 47.50 crore.
Two persons who were allegedly smuggling betelnuts worth Rs 7.20 Lakh were also nabbed and handed over to police.
Assam Rifles further said Tengnoupal Battalion had foiled cross border smuggling of gold near Tengnoupal on June 5 last.
Based on intelligence, Assam Rifles troops launched an operation and intercepted a foreign origin two wheeler (Kenbo bike) traversing through a jungle trail.
On being challenged to stop, the two riders abandoned the two-wheeler and tried to escape. The troops chased the suspects and apprehended one of them. On checking 8.79 Kgs of Gold worth Rs. 4.30 crore was recovered from the smuggler.
The apprehended smuggler along with the seized gold was handed over to Tengnoupal Police Station for further legal action.
