ED attaches 10 properties worth ₹8.12 crore in areca nut smuggling case

This is a press release from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office, announcing the provisional attachment of properties and freezing of bank accounts in connection with an alleged cross-border smuggling network of dry areca nuts from Myanmar. It matters to citizens as it details the enforcement actions taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to secure proceeds of crime.

Who it concerns: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), the accused individuals (including Zosangpuii, Thangkhanmunga, Zonsanga, and Sangneihvela), local facilitators in Mizoram, Myanmar/Burmese suppliers, and the public affected by the alleged smuggling of dry areca nuts.

What the ED says it did

• ED provisionally attached 10 immovable properties worth Rs. 8.12 Crores under Section 5(1) of PMLA, 2002.
• ED froze bank balances of approximately Rs. 1.20 Crore under Section 17(1A) of PMLA.
• Total Proceeds of Crime secured amount to approximately Rs. 9.33 Crore.
• The investigation is based on an FIR by ACB, CBI, Imphal and Chargesheet No. 07/2025 dated 29.08.2025.
• Alleged smuggling of approximately 3103 MT of dry areca nuts with an assessable value of about Rs. 1,022.25 Crore.
• Alleged loss of Basic Customs Duty is approximately Rs. 408.90 Crore.
• Provisional Attachment Order No. 04/2026 was issued on 04.09.2026.
• One of the attached properties is Hotel Jade at Bethel Veng, Champhai, valued at Rs. 6.29 Crore, allegedly constructed from smuggling proceeds.

Also in the document

• The alleged smuggling network used the Tiau River and border areas around Zokhawthar/Champhai for entry into India.
• The investigation alleged the use of fraudulent e-way bills and forged documents.
• Local persons were allegedly used as claimants/owners of intercepted consignments before Customs authorities.
• Funds were allegedly routed through bank accounts and money exchangers to settle payments with suppliers in Myanmar.