Imphal, June 8 (UNI): The Assam Rifles troops on Tuesday busted a major narcotic trafficking racket in Tengnoupal and seized Rs 47.50 crore worth of opium.
The 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 8,000 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 the 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 kg of gold worth Rs 4.30 crore was recovered from the smuggler.
The apprehended smuggler and the seized gold were handed over to Tengnoupal police for further legal action.
