The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered an organised network allegedly involved in large-scale smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar into India through Mizoram. Officials familiar with the probe said that the investigation traced the movement of consignments through the Tiau River and border areas around Zokhawthar and Champhai.

The agency has alleged that around 3,103 metric tonnes of dry areca nuts, valued at approximately ₹1,022.25 crore, were smuggled into India. The activity allegedly caused a loss of ₹408.90 crore in basic customs duty, the ED said.

As part of its money laundering investigation, the ED has attached 10 properties valued at ₹8.12 crore. The properties include a hotel, residential land and other landed assets located in and around Champhai in Mizoram.

The probe follows a 2025 First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The FIR alleged large-scale smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar into India through Mizoram using fraudulent e-way bills, forged documents and other methods.

“Investigation has revealed that an organised network wherein Myanmar suppliers smuggled areca nuts into India through the Tiau River and border areas around Zokhawthar/Champhai. Local facilitators based in Mizoram procured the smuggled areca nuts, arranged their storage and transportation and facilitated their onward movement towards Assam and other destinations. Investigation also revealed alleged use of local persons as claimants or owners of intercepted consignments before Customs authorities and routing of substantial funds through bank accounts and money exchangers for settlement of payments with suppliers situated in Myanmar,” ED said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The investigation revealed alleged smuggling of 3103MT (approx.) of dry areca nuts, having an assessable value of about Rs. 1,022.25 Crore, resulting in alleged loss of Basic Customs Duty of Rs. 408.90 Crore,” it added.

The ED’s investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act examined bank accounts and material seized during searches. The agency found substantial financial transactions linked to the alleged smuggling operation. It also detected cash deposits and withdrawals and the purchase of immovable properties using alleged proceeds from the smuggling activities.

According to the agency, the network involved suppliers based in Myanmar and local facilitators in Mizoram. The local operators allegedly handled the storage and transportation of the smuggled areca nuts before arranging their movement to Assam and other destinations.

The investigation also found that local individuals were allegedly used as claimants or owners of consignments intercepted by Customs authorities. The agency said substantial funds were routed through bank accounts and money exchangers to settle payments with suppliers in Myanmar.

The ED has attached the properties as part of its action under the money laundering case. The attached assets include a hotel in Champhai along with residential land and other properties in the area. The agency’s investigation into the alleged smuggling network and the movement of its proceeds is continuing.