Burmese network behind large-scale areca nut smuggling via Mizoram: ED probe
As part of the probe, the agency said it has attached a hotel, residential land and other landed properties situated in and around Champhai in Mizoram.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a large-scale smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar into India through Mizoram. According to the probe, an organized network of Burmese suppliers moved the consignments via the Tiau River and border areas around Zokhawthar and Champhai. The investigation has uncovered allegations of smuggling 3103 metric tonnes of dry areca nuts, valued at around ₹1,022.25 crore, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹408.90 crore in Basic Customs Duty.
The ED has attached 10 properties worth ₹8.12 crore in the case, including a hotel in Champhai. This money laundering probe stems from the CBI's 2025 First Information Report (FIR) alleging large-scale smuggling using fraudulent e-way bills and forged documents. The investigation reveals an organized network of Myanmar suppliers, local facilitators in Mizoram, and storage and transportation arrangements.
Funds were allegedly routed through bank accounts and money exchangers to settle payments with suppliers in Myanmar.
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