ED searches 16 places linked to smuggling of foreign-origin betel nut via the Indo-Myanmar border

The ED probe is based on 11 First Information Reports registered by the police in Assam and West Bengal. Representative image | Photo Credit: Siva Saravanan

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with the smuggling of foreign-origin areca nut (betel nut) into India through the Indo-Myanmar border.

The searches were carried out at 16 places in Guwahati in Assam; and Siliguri, Bagdogra, Phansidewa and Cooch Behar in West Bengal. The premises were linked to DNG Biotech Private Limited, Jai Karni Tradings Private Limited, Purvottar Agro Private Limited, N.R. Associates, and connected individuals, the agency said on Monday (October 5, 2026). Unaccounted cash of about ₹95 lakh was seized, fixed deposits worth nearly ₹85 lakh have been frozen.

The ED probe is based on 11 First Information Reports registered by the police in Assam and West Bengal. The cases allege the smuggling, transportation and sale of betel nut of Indonesian, Thai and Burmese origin. The consignments were brought into Mizoram through Myanmar and taken to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and other States using forged Goods and Services Tax invoices, e-way bills, and transport documents.