MANIPUR: 73 GOLD BARS SEIZED AT MOREH-IMPHAL NATIONAL HIGHWAY

In a major blow to illegal gold smuggling in the state, on 11th May, 12 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector Assam Rifles seized 73 gold bars worth Rs. 3.6225 crores from two Maruti Vans (both silver coloured) which were moving from Moreh to Imphal.

The gold bars were seized at permanent vehicle check post, Khudengthabi during the routine checking of vehicles plying along the Moreh – Imphal National Highway (NH-102), said a statement released by PRO cell IGAR (South).

Both the van drivers, Mufijuddin, resident of Moreh Ward No 5 and Abdul Rashid, resident of Muslim Nagar, Loubuk Leikai, Moreh, Tengnoupal district along with the gold bars were handed over to Customs officials at Imphal. Tamu – Moreh Route along Asian Highway 1 is the preferred route for international illegal gold traders. Open and porous border, noticeable price difference between India with Myanmar and perceived better quality of gold of Myanmar vis-a-vis India, are the prime reasons for large scale gold smuggling from the area, said the statement.

Assam Rifles has always been committed to check smuggling and other nefarious activities in Northeast. Since January 2018, Assam Rifles has seized 36.757 kg of gold worth Rs. 11.027 crores, along NH -102.