Imphal, Jan. 21 -- Assam Rifles seized a large consignment of illegal betel nuts during an operation conducted along State Highway MN-06 in Noney district of Manipur, officials said here on Wednesday.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding the illegal movement of betel nuts, Assam Rifles launched an operation on January 20. During the search, troops recovered and seized 560 bags of betel nuts, each weighing 100 kg.

Officials said the total quantity seized was 56,000 kg (56 metric tonnes), with an estimated market value of approximately Rs 1.7 crore.

The seized contraband has been handed over to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Noney, for further legal action in accordance with existing procedures.

Assam Rifles said the operatio...