Imphal: Assam Rifles has foiled a large-scale liquor smuggling attempt on National Highway-37 near Awangkhul in Manipur, seizing 1,430 cases containing over 32,000 bottles and cans of assorted liquor worth nearly Rs 1 crore.
The swift operation led to the confiscation of the consignment, and the individuals (drivers) involved were handed over to the state police for further investigation, the Assam Rifles said in a statement on Thursday.
In a statement, Assam Rifles reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal trade and maintaining peace and order in the region.
However, the paramilitary force did not disclose the identity of the owner of the illicit liquor.
Police have so far not made a comment except saying that the investigation is still ongoing.
Manipur has been a dry state since the enactment of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act in 1991. The law, however, provides exemptions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities to brew liquor under their traditional customs and customary laws.
In September 2022, the state cabinet partially lifted the prohibition, allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol in district headquarters, hotels with a minimum of 20 beds, and permitting the export of locally-brewed country liquor. Liquor has been widely available in the black market across the state.
