In a decisive blow to cross-border smuggling, Assam Rifles personnel conducted a major operation near the Chandrapur area of Agartala and seized foreign-origin cigarettes valued at ₹5.1 crore. The operation, carried out on Sunday night. Marks one of the largest seizures of smuggled tobacco products in Tripura this year.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal trade routes used to smuggle goods from neighbouring Bangladesh into Northeast India.
Cigarettes Smuggled Across Border
According to official sources, the seized contraband included high-end foreign cigarette brands. Most of which were not licensed for sale in India. The smugglers had concealed the items in large storage boxes and were likely transporting them to markets in Agartala and beyond.
The exact origin of the consignment is under investigation, but preliminary findings indicate that the goods were smuggled into India through unfenced patches along the India-Bangladesh border in West Tripura.
An official from Assam Rifles stated, “The operation was based on specific intelligence input. Upon intercepting the suspicious vehicle. A thorough check revealed the concealed cartons of foreign-made cigarettes.”
No Arrests Yet, Search Ongoing
While the seizure is significant, no arrests have been made yet. The smugglers reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled after noticing the Assam Rifles checkpoint.
Local police and Assam Rifles are now conducting joint combing operations in the nearby forested zones to trace the culprits. Surveillance has also been increased at all exit points in and around Agartala.
The confiscated items have been handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation and destruction under existing anti-smuggling laws.
Boost to Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The Northeast, especially Tripura, is a known corridor for the smuggling of contraband goods. Including narcotics, arms, and foreign tobacco products. Tripura shares an 856-km-long porous border with Bangladesh. Further, much of which remains vulnerable despite fencing.
The Assam Rifles’ success is seen as a major win for the central government’s “War on Smuggling” campaign, which has intensified surveillance across the region in recent months.
More on border security efforts in Tripura
Public Health and Revenue Impact
Officials from the State Excise Department noted that such operations are vital not only for security but also for public health and revenue. Unregulated cigarettes often evade health warnings, and their unchecked circulation impacts legitimate businesses and tax collections.
“Foreign cigarettes do not carry the mandated Indian health warnings. Their easy availability poses a serious health risk, especially to young users,” an Excise official said.
Repeated Pattern in Recent Months
This isn’t the first such seizure in the state. In May 2025, security forces recovered cigarettes worth ₹1.8 crore from the Boxanagar area near the Sepahijala district. Smugglers often exploit border villagers. Although, using them as carriers to bypass checkpoints.
A senior customs official confirmed that several international smuggling syndicates are targeting Tripura due to its strategic location and weak surveillance in remote areas.
Assam Rifles Applauded for Vigilance
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha lauded the Assam Rifles for their proactive role in guarding the state’s borders. “This operation is an example of what coordinated intelligence and ground-level action can achieve. Our agencies are fully committed to wiping out smuggling,” he posted on social media.
The state government has also hinted at increasing inter-agency coordination with the BSF, customs, and local police to curb future smuggling attempts.