MIZORAM: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 43.2 lakh foreign origin cigarette sticks valued at ₹8.64 crore in an intelligence-led operation in Mizoram. One truck driver was arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The consignment, suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar, was intercepted while being transported towards Aizawl.
432 Cases of Cigarettes Seized
- Acting on specific intelligence about a truck carrying a large quantity of foreign origin cigarettes, officers of the DRI Aizawl Regional Unit conducted surveillance along the Champhai-Aizawl Road.
- The truck was intercepted at Tuirial village. During a detailed inspection, officers recovered 432 cases containing 43,20,000 cigarette sticks of the “Patron” brand.
- The seized cigarettes were valued at ₹8.64 crore.
Mandatory Health Warnings Missing
- According to the PIB release, the cigarette packets did not carry the mandatory pictorial and health warnings prescribed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
- The cigarettes and the truck were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. The driver was arrested as part of the operation.
Suspected Smuggling Route from Myanmar
- Preliminary investigation indicates that the cigarettes were allegedly smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the international border.
- The seizure highlights concerns over the use of cross border routes for the illegal movement of foreign origin tobacco products.
- The DRI said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to curb smuggling, disrupt illicit supply networks and strengthen enforcement along vulnerable international border routes.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, October 19, 2026.
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