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Assam Rifles Seizes Rs 36 Lakh Rare Medicinal Plant, Arrests 3 in Mizoram

The Assam Rifles seized 102 bags of the rare medicinal plant Anchiri, valued at Rs 36 lakh, in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district. Three individuals were arrested after the consignment was intercepted at a river-road junction near the Myanmar border. The plant, Paris polyphylla, is highly sought after for traditional medicine and pharmaceutical research. The operation highlights the ongoing challenge of cross-border smuggling in the region's porous frontiers.

Key Points: Assam Rifles Seizes Smuggled Rare Medicinal Plant in Mizoram

  • Rare Anchiri plant seized
  • Worth Rs 36 lakh
  • Three persons apprehended
  • Intercepted near Indo-Myanmar border
  • Used in traditional medicine
2 min read

Assam Rifles seizes smuggled haul of rare medicinal plant in Mizoram, apprehends three

Assam Rifles intercepts Anchiri plant worth Rs 36 lakh near Myanmar border, arresting three. Learn about cross-border smuggling routes.

"the consignment was smuggled through the Sekul River and intercepted at a river-road junction - Assam Rifles Official"

Aizawl, April 9

In a significant operation against the illegal trade of forest resources, the Assam Rifles have seized a consignment of Anchiri, a rare and high-value medicinal plant, worth Rs 36 lakh and arrested three persons in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district, officials said on Thursday.

An Assam Rifles official stated that the consignment of Anchiri (Paris polyphylla), packed in 102 bags, was seized near Zorinpui in Lawngtlai, along the Indo-Myanmar border on Wednesday.

According to Headquarters, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), the consignment was smuggled through the Sekul River and intercepted at a river-road junction while being loaded onto a truck.

Three individuals were apprehended during the operation.

Anchiri is widely used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, infections, and wounds. It is also in demand for pharmaceutical research, making it a frequent target of illegal cross-border trade.

Zorinpui, located in the Lawngtlai district of southern Mizoram, serves as a vital land check post along the India-Myanmar border. The area is also strategically important due to its proximity to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in neighbouring Myanmar.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous and mountainous border with Bangladesh, making the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of drugs and other illegal activities. Myanmar's adjoining Chin State is considered a major hub for trafficking various narcotics, arms and ammunition, exotic wildlife, precious medicinal plants, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmar areca nuts (betel nuts), and other contraband.

These illegal goods are often smuggled through six districts of Mizoram -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. Among the most commonly trafficked substances from Myanmar are methamphetamine tablets, widely known as Yaba or "party tablets". Often referred to as the "crazy drug", these tablets contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and are strictly banned in India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 36 lakh worth! That's a massive haul. It's sad to see our natural resources being plundered. The article mentions the porous border is a big problem. We need more such operations and better surveillance to protect these plants before they become extinct.
R
Rohit P
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The same routes are used for drugs and arms. The government needs to seriously consider fencing more of that border with Myanmar. It's a national security issue, not just about plants.
S
Sarah B
While I applaud the seizure, I have a respectful criticism. Instead of just intercepting, can we have more programs to cultivate these rare plants sustainably within India? This would reduce the black market demand and help local communities earn legally.
V
Vikram M
Anchiri is so important in Ayurveda and local Mizo medicine. Smuggling it out is like stealing our grandmothers' knowledge. Good job catching them near Zorinpui. Jai Hind to our forces guarding such remote and difficult areas. 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
The connection to the Kaladan project is worrying. We're investing in infrastructure for development, but these illegal activities threaten the stability of the whole region. Security and development have to go hand in hand in the Northeast.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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