Assam-Mizoram border: Over 1,000 urea bags seized hidden beneath food consignment; 4 held

In a major crackdown on suspected smuggling along the Assam-Mizoram border, Lailapur Police on July 21 seized two 12-wheeler trucks carrying more than 1,000 bags of urea fertiliser allegedly concealed beneath food consignments. 

Four persons, including two drivers and two helpers, were detained in connection with the case.

The trucks, which were headed towards Mizoram, were intercepted during a routine vehicle check at the Lailapur Police Patrol Post on the Silchar-Aizawl National Highway.

According to police, the occupants initially claimed that the vehicles were transporting food items. However, a thorough inspection revealed a large quantity of urea fertiliser hidden beneath the consignment. Officials estimate that the two trucks together were carrying over 1,000 bags of urea, though the exact quantity, total weight and market value are yet to be determined.

Senior police officers, including Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rajat Kumar Pal, DSP Dilraj Pathak, DSP Bhaskar Saikia, CDSP Pradip Kumar and Lailapur Patrol Post In-charge Subhajit Dutta, rushed to the spot and supervised the investigation.

Police said investigations are underway to ascertain the source of the fertiliser, its intended destination, the identity of the actual consignor and consignee, and whether a larger smuggling network is involved. The detained individuals are being interrogated, while transport documents and other relevant records are being scrutinised.

Investigators suspect that the urea, allegedly meant for farmers in Assam, was being illegally diverted through Mizoram with the intention of being smuggled across the international border into Myanmar. Further investigation is in progress.