Indian security forces have apprehended four Myanmar nationals and seized over 52 million Myanmar Kyat in cash during back-to-back operations in Mizoram’s Siaha district. The seizures, conducted by the Assam Rifles between 18 January and January 20, 2026, highlight an intensifying crackdown on the illegal transport of foreign currency and contraband along the sensitive Indo-Myanmar border.
The most significant recovery occurred on 20 January at a mobile vehicle check post in Tuipang. According to official statements, security personnel intercepted a tipper truck and discovered 17.5 million Kyat in cash, along with smuggled tobacco and foreign cigarettes. The driver, identified as U Phyu Maung, a resident of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, was taken into custody.
Just hours later, a separate operation near Laki village led to the seizure of 34.607 million Kyat from three Myanmar women and two local Indian men traveling in two intercepted vehicles.
“They were arrested after authorities received intelligence. Foreign currency cannot be legally held here, so people need to be careful,” a Myanmar national in Mizoram told Mizzima.
He said the seizure of illegal currency, along with drugs, has made locals suspicious of the remaining Myanmar nationals, raising fears that their lives will become more difficult.
Authorities seized more than 17 million kyats in cash, tobacco worth 50,000 rupees (over 2.2 million kyats), and foreign cigarettes valued at 130,000 rupees (more than 5.8 million kyats) from a Myanmar national arrested in the Thu Pan area of Siaha district.
Similarly, a mobile checkpoint near Laki village in Siaha district led to the seizure of more than 30 million kyats in cash from three Myanmar nationals and two local men, according to a statement.
The Assam Rifles said the arrested individuals were handed over to the Thu Pan police station in Siaha district for further legal action.
Siaha district, where the currency and illegal goods were seized, borders Myanmar’s Chin State and serves as a key transit route for food, medicine and fuel into Matupi township and Rakhine State.
The illegal import of foreign currency into India is punishable under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Customs Act of 1962. Under these laws, offenders can face fines or imprisonment ranging from five years to life, depending on the amount of money involved.
India has announced plans to fence its 1,643-kilometre border with Myanmar to enhance national security and curb the influx of illegal goods, including drugs.
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