Imphal, April 01: The Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force deployed in the Northeastern states of India, have made a significant seizure of gold biscuits in Manipur. The troops intercepted a commuter at the Permanent Vehicle Check Post in Khudengthabi who was travelling from Moreh to Imphal on a two-wheeler.
Acting on a tip-off, the Tengnoupal Battalion of Assam Rifles stopped the individual and recovered 10 suspected gold biscuits weighing around 1,660 grams.
The value of the seized gold is estimated to be around Rs. 1.01 crore. The gold biscuits were found concealed in the commuter’s shoe, indicating that it was a smuggling attempt. The individual was arrested and handed over to the customs department for further investigation.
This seizure highlights the continuous efforts by the security forces in the Northeast to curb the illegal trade of gold and other contraband items. Manipur, being a border state with Myanmar, has been a hotspot for smuggling activities, including drugs, arms, and gold.
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The Assam Rifles, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been playing a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the region.
Gold smuggling is a prevalent issue in India due to the high import duty imposed on gold by the government.
As a result, smugglers try to bring in gold illegally to avoid paying taxes, which can significantly increase the cost of the metal. Moreover, gold is an attractive option for smuggling due to its high value and ease of transport.
The recent seizure by the Assam Rifles is commendable, as it will help in curbing the illegal trade of gold and prevent the money generated from it from being used for unlawful activities. It also highlights the importance of intelligence inputs and coordination between different agencies in dealing with such cases.
The Assam Rifles’ seizure of gold biscuits in Manipur is a significant achievement in the fight against smuggling. It sends a strong message to smugglers that their illegal activities will not be tolerated and that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in their efforts to prevent such crimes. It also reinforces the need for continued efforts to combat smuggling in the Northeastern region, which has been a persistent challenge for security forces for decades.