Aizawl, Aug 5: Assam Rifles, under the Spear Corps, in a joint operation with the Forest Department, foiled a major cross-border smuggling attempt by seizing protected forest produce worth around ₹1.05 crore near Mizoram's Lawngtlai district along the Indo-Myanmar border.
During the operation, security forces recovered 311 bags containing 10,574 kilograms of illegally traded Paris Polyphylla (Anchiri), a protected medicinal plant highly valued in illegal cross-border markets.
The joint team also apprehended five individuals allegedly involved in the smuggling network and seized five vehicles used for transporting the contraband.
Officials said the operation dealt a significant blow to the illegal trade in protected forest resources and highlighted the close coordination between Assam Rifles and the Forest Department in combating wildlife and forest-related crimes along the international border.
Paris Polyphylla is a rare medicinal plant protected under conservation laws due to its ecological and medicinal significance. Illegal extraction and smuggling of the species pose a serious threat to biodiversity in the region.
The recovered forest produce, seized vehicles and the arrested persons have been handed over to the competent authorities for further investigation and legal action.
Assam Rifles said the successful operation reaffirms its commitment to securing the Indo-Myanmar border, curbing trans-border smuggling and protecting the country's ecological wealth through sustained surveillance and joint enforcement efforts.