DRI Seizes Smuggled Foreign Cigarettes Worth ₹14 Crore in North-East, Four Arrested

New Delhi, June 12: In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized approximately 71 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes worth around ₹14 crore across the North-Eastern region since May 2026. The crackdown has also led to the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in the illegal trade.

According to officials, one of the largest operations was conducted in Mizoram on June 11, where DRI officers, with assistance from the 34th Battalion of Assam Rifles, intercepted and seized more than 45 lakh cigarette sticks of foreign brands including Mond, XSo, ORIS, and Patron.

A suspect was arrested during the operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the consignment was smuggled into India from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border, a route often used by smugglers to transport contraband goods.

In addition to the Mizoram seizure, DRI carried out several coordinated operations across the North-East over the past few weeks, resulting in the recovery of another 26 lakh foreign-origin cigarette sticks and the arrest of three more accused.

Officials said the operations are part of an intensified drive to curb cross-border smuggling networks that cause significant revenue losses to the government and adversely impact legitimate businesses. Further investigations are underway to identify the source, supply chain, and wider network involved in the illegal import and distribution of the cigarettes.

The latest seizures underline the government’s continued efforts to strengthen border enforcement and dismantle organized smuggling syndicates operating in the region.