Illegal Burmese Betel Smuggling: The Enforcement Directorate i.e. ED on Thursday started a large-scale raid operation in Champhai district along the Mizoram-Myanmar border. Taking action simultaneously at 9 different locations, the ED team has targeted the organized network involved in smuggling of illegal Burmese betel nut (dry betel nut). According to the investigating agency, this gang was illegally bringing betel nut from Myanmar to India on a large scale.
Ed The raids are being conducted mainly on the homes and business premises of local businessmen and alleged facilitators who were playing an important role in running this smuggling network.
Smuggling network was spread from Myanmar to India
Initial investigation has revealed that betel nut consignments coming from Myanmar were brought to India through Tiyu River. After this they were kept in local warehouses. Through fake e-way bills and forged documents, these were sent to other parts of the country by pretending to be local purchases. ED claims that money worth hundreds of crores of rupees was generated through this illegal business and attempts were made to hide it and show it as legitimate through different means.
Fake documents, black business worth crores
Investigation has also revealed that the accused took advantage of the local tribal identity and tried to portray themselves as legitimate businessmen involved in cross-border trade. Not only this, when the Customs Department seized the consignment of betel nuts, the accused also tried to get rid of the seized goods by using old and unrelated import documents. At present, ED’s action is going on and the agency is expected to get many important documents and digital evidence. There is a possibility of further big revelations in the case.
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