An investigation into the alleged smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar into India through Mizoram has uncovered an organized network involving suppliers across the border and local facilitators, according to officials familiar with the case.
Investigators have traced the movement of consignments through the Tiau River and border areas near Zokhawthar and Champhai. The alleged network is said to have involved local operators who arranged the purchase, storage and transportation of the consignments before they were moved onward to Assam and other parts of India.
The investigation has identified approximately 3,103 metric tonnes of dry areca nuts, valued at around ₹1,022 crore. Authorities estimate that the alleged activity resulted in a loss of approximately ₹409 crore in basic customs duty.
The case originated from a 2025 FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which alleged that consignments were brought into India using fraudulent e-way bills, forged documents and other methods intended to bypass customs procedures.
Investigators have also examined the financial trail linked to the alleged smuggling operation. The probe reportedly found significant deposits and withdrawals in bank accounts, cash transactions and payments routed through money exchangers. Authorities suspect that some local individuals were used as nominal owners or claimants for consignments intercepted by customs officials.
The financial investigation has also focused on assets allegedly acquired from proceeds generated through the suspected smuggling activity.
As part of the proceedings, authorities have attached 10 properties valued at approximately ₹8.12 crore in and around Champhai. The properties include a hotel, residential land and other immovable assets.
The investigation is being conducted under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with authorities continuing to examine the financial transactions, individuals and entities allegedly connected to the cross-border trade.
