Timber smuggling racket busted in Manipur

By Halley Nongmaithem

IMPHAL

Based on intelligence reports regarding the movement of illegal timber, Assam Rifles troopers launched an operation on November 17.

Sources have said that at about 3:30 pm, a truck was intercepted carrying timber at the check post on NH 102.

On being questioned, the driver, Mahangan of Kamjong, informed that the wood being transported had been smuggled in from Myanmar in 2019 to Phungyar and was now being taken to Ukhrul.

Another truck bearing registration number MN 05 C 8013 at about 3:45pm was intercepted. The driver revealed that the truck which was carrying pinewood to Ukhrul had been smuggled from Myanmar and was to be dumped in Phungyar.

The illegal timber recovered is assessed to be worth Rupees 38 lakh. Both the accused, and the consignment were handed over to the police for further investigation.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)