Imphal, May 20 -- Assam Rifles on Monday seized 242 bags of areca nuts of foreign origin, valued at approximately Rs 1.62 crore in the regional market, from two vehicles at Langmeidong in southern Kakching district of Manipur.

Three individuals suspected to be involved in the illegal trade were also arrested during the operation, according to a statement released by the defense wing on Tuesday.

The seizure followed specific intelligence input, further confirmed by local sources, about the illegal transportation of foreign-origin areca nuts. Acting swiftly, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was set up near Langmeidong along the Burma-Sugnu Road.

The MVCP intercepted two vehicles loaded with areca nuts. Upon inspection, the occupants we...