A DRI interception in Mizoram led to the recovery of 43.2 lakh foreign-made cigarettes with an estimated value of Rs. 8.64 crore. The consignment was reportedly entering from Myanmar and was discovered while being taken towards Aizawl, following intelligence gathered by the agency.
Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's Aizawl unit monitored the Champhai–Aizawl highway after receiving information about a truck. They stopped the vehicle at Tuirial village and found 432 boxes holding 43,20,000 cigarettes sold under the 'Patron' label.
Inspectors found that the packs lacked the not health illustrations and warnings mandatory under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. The cigarettes and truck were confiscated using Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. The driver was taken into custody.
Investigators believe the cargo crossed into Mizoram from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar border area. The preliminary findings indicate how that crossing can be used to move tobacco products without authorisation.
The case demonstrates the use of intelligence and roadside inspection to intercept suspected illegal imports. The DRI continues to target cross-border movement of goods that bypass applicable customs and product regulations.