The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has intensified its enforcement actions against the illegal importation of contraband tobacco products in northeastern India. A series of coordinated operations managed by the agency has led to the cumulative seizure of approximately 71 lakh smuggled foreign-origin cigarette sticks. The confiscated contraband has an estimated market value of Rs 14 crore, and four individuals have been apprehended by authorities in connection with the smuggling networks.
Major Interception Conducted in Mizoram Sector
A prominent operation under this enforcement initiative took place in Mizoram on June 11, 2026. Acting on specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted a massive consignment containing more than 45 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes. The specific brands recovered during this intercept included Mond, XSo, ORIS, and Patron. One person was arrested at the scene for involvement in the transport of the prohibited goods.
Joint Operation Mobilized Along International Border
The enforcement action in Mizoram was executed with the direct assistance of the 34th Battalion of the Assam Rifles. A preliminary investigation conducted by officials indicates that the contraband cigarettes were smuggled into India from Myanmar. The network utilized the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border to cross the international boundary before the shipment was intercepted by the joint security teams.
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Sequential Enforcement Operations Secure Multiple Arrests
The latest seizure forms part of a larger ongoing campaign maintained by the agency across the region since May 2026. In a separate series of operations executed over the preceding weeks, the agency intercepted an additional 26 lakh foreign-origin cigarette sticks. Three individuals were apprehended during those initial actions, bringing the total number of arrests under the current crackdown to four as investigators continue to disrupt cross-border smuggling channels.
