Myanmar Route for Cigarette Smuggling to Avoid High Tax Rates Detected

Key Highlights

· The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted multiple coordinated anti-smuggling operations across India's North-Eastern region.

· Since May 2026, DRI has seized approximately 71 lakh foreign-origin smuggled cigarette sticks.

· The total value of the seized cigarettes is around ₹14 crore.

· Four persons have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operations.

Major Operation in Mizoram

· On 11 June 2026, DRI seized over 45 lakh cigarette sticks in Mizoram.

· The operation was conducted with assistance from the Assam Rifles (34th Battalion).

· One person was arrested during the operation.

· Seized cigarette brands included:

o Mond

o XSo

o ORIS

o Patron

Smuggling Route Identified

· Preliminary investigations suggest that the cigarettes were smuggled from Myanmar.

· The contraband reportedly entered India through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Other Seizures

· In several operations conducted over recent weeks:

o An additional 26 lakh cigarette sticks were seized.

o Three more individuals were arrested.

Conclusion

The successful DRI operations highlight intensified efforts to curb cross-border smuggling in the North-East, protect government revenue, and strengthen border security against illegal trade networks.

[ABS News Service/13.06.2026]

In a major crackdown against smuggling of foreign origin cigarettes, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out multiple coordinated operations in the North Eastern Region.

Since May 2026, operations conducted by DRI have led to a total seizure of about 71,00,000 sticks of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes across the North Eastern Region, valued cumulatively at approximately Rs. 14 crore and along with arrest of 4 persons.

Among major operations, DRI seized more than 45 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes of brands such as Mond, XSo, ORIS and Patron in Mizoram on 11th June 2026. This operation was carried out with the assistance of the 34th Battalion, Assam Rifles. One person has been arrested in the case. Preliminary investigation indicates that the cigarettes were smuggled into the country from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border.

In a series of operations in last few weeks another 26 lakh such cigarettes have been seized, and 3 persons have been arrested.