March 6, 2025: A joint operation by the customs department and Lumding police resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of foreign cigarettes on National Highway 27 near the highway in Hojai's Lumding.

The operation was conducted on the Silchar-Lumding route, which is now seen to be becoming a hub for banned goods smuggling.

According to reports, the seized cigarettes were being transported from Sonari Haat in Silchar to Guwahati when they were intercepted by the police based on inputs.

The cigarettes, valued at over Rs 8 lakh, were found in 480 boxes and were supplied by a truck bearing the number AS 01 MC 8831.

The driver of the truck, identified as Raihan Hussain Laskar, was also taken into custody.

The railway route at Lumding and National Highway 27 is now seen as a key emerging route for illicit trade.