Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Assam Rifles troops joined forces with the Forest Department to smash an illegal smuggling ring. They seized a massive haul of protected Paris polyphylla in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district. The local name for the plant is Anchiri.
The operation went down at Hmawngbuchhuah on August 3. Security teams pulled 311 bags from the traffickers. Those bags held 10,574 kilograms of the protected greenery. Officials estimate the market value of the stash hits Rs 1.05 crore. Five people are now in custody. Authorities also impounded five vehicles used to haul the illegal shipment.
Everything is headed to the Lawngtlai Forest Department. They hold the suspects, the trucks, and the plants for the next phase of the legal process. Officials say the bust proves their commitment to protecting the border. "The successful operation highlights the continued efforts of the Assam Rifles and the Forest Department to crack down on the illegal collection and trafficking of protected forest produce along the Indo-Myanmar border."
Traffickers target this specific plant for its heavy demand in traditional medicine. Its commercial value makes it a top pick for black market smugglers. The hunt for traffickers continues.
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