Areca nut case underway: Kamjong Forest Dept
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 06 2023: Kamjong Forest Department is presently in the process of establishing the quantity and worth of a huge quantity of Areca nuts confiscated by the department between August 27-31 earlier this year and disposing the items by way of public auction in Kamjong district.

"We are taking steps to implement all the procedures necessary for disposing the seized products through public auction," said an official source in the department.

However, the department is yet to ascertain the exact amount and valuation of the confiscated areca nuts.

"Once we are able to do so, we will proceed with the auction of the items to the public.

After verifying the quantity of the seized items as part of the procedures set by the Forest Acts of India and Manipur, the confiscated goods will be put up for public auction," it said.

As per the forest acts, the department can confiscate transportation and smuggling of any illegal products, irrespective of origin of the items, added the source.

Presently there are different rates for two qualities of areca nuts.

These rates per kilogram are Rs 135 for one quality and Rs 60 for another and the same have already been determined by the Forest Department for the public auction, it mentioned.

The said areca nuts had been allegedly smuggled from the neighbouring Myanmar, when the Assam Rifles seized them on August 27-31 .

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