Imphal: Assam Rifles foiled timber smuggling and seized timber worth Rs 14. 28 lakh during an operation launched in Kampang Khullen area of Tengnoupal district in Manipur on April Wednesday.
A total of 23 trucks illegally transporting timber without valid transit permits were intercepted in the operation.
“The operation aimed to curb illegal smuggling of forest produce, a major funding source for Valley Based Insurgent Groups,” the Assam Rifles said in a statement released on Friday.
Drivers were detained after failing to produce valid documentation, and the trucks along with the timber were seized, it said.
The Forest department was informed and conducted a field verification on Wednesday. Following a written correspondence from the district Forest office, the trucks were released on Thursday, it added.
“According to Forest officials, the seized timber was valued at approximately Rs 14.28 Lakh.”
The Assam Rifles said it remains committed to countering illegal activities and safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
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