On the **Gorakhpur-Lucknow** highway, near Kalesar, a team from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a smuggler found in possession of foreign cigarettes valued at approximately one crore rupees. These cigarettes were manufactured in Korea and brought from Guwahati via Myanmar. The plan was to transport them further to a trader in Delhi.
Following a tip-off, the DRI team intensified checks on routes from Jagdishpur to Kalesar. A suspicious vehicle was stopped and searched, revealing a large quantity of cigarettes. The individual has been arrested, and interrogation is ongoing.
It is reported that approximately 10,000 packets of Korean-made cigarettes were hidden in a truck loaded with bamboo. According to officials, these cigarettes were being transported to Delhi via Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Additional Facts and Details
The DRI (Revenue Intelligence) has arrested three individuals in connection with the case — the truck driver, the truck owner, and another person.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that these cigarettes were destined for the NCR (National Capital Region) due to the high demand for foreign cigarettes there.
Brands of Cigarettes Recovered
The recovered cigarettes included Indonesia's “Black” brand, China's “Win” brand, and Korea's “Ace Light” brand.
The total quantity seized is reported to be approximately 8 lakh sticks.
Smuggling Route and Concealment Method
Smuggling Route: Myanmar → Manipur → Assam → Bihar → Kushinagar → Gorakhpur → Further.
Last year (as mentioned), the DRI and Customs departments registered a case of seizing foreign cigarettes worth INR 1.5 crore from a truck.
Similarly, significant seizures have occurred in other states as well — for instance, 53.64 lakh sticks were seized in Mumbai, with an estimated value of ₹8.04 crore.
