The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at 16 sites in Guwahati, Assam, and in West Bengal towns of Siliguri, Bagdogra, Phansidewa and Cooch Behar. The investigations were linked to companies such as DNG Biotech Private Limited, Jai Karni Tradings Private Limited, Purvottar Agro Private Limited and N.R. Associates, and to individuals associated with those firms. During the operations the ED seized about ₹995 lakh in unaccounted cash and froze nearly ₹985 lakh in fixed deposits.
The probe follows 11 First Information Reports filed by police in Assam and West Bengal. The cases allege that betel nut of Indonesian, Thai and Burmese origin was smuggled through the Indo‑Myanmar border, transported via Mizoram, and sold across several Indian states. Consignments were allegedly moved using forged Goods and Services Tax invoices, e‑way bills and transport documents.
The ED described the operation as a well‑organised racket. Dried areca nut was reportedly ferried in small lots across the Tiau River at Zokhawthar, bypassing the Land Customs Station. Front firms registered in Champhai, a town with no betel nut production, were used to mask the trade. Controllers based in Silchar, Assam, allegedly retained cheque books and banking credentials for these shell companies.
After arrival in Silchar, the nut was transported to Guwahati, where it was repackaged and re‑documented. Bikaner Assam Roadlines India Limited and related entities were implicated. The syndicate is said to move proceeds through layered bank accounts, hawala channels, and invest in properties, vehicles and other assets, with bank credits exceeding ₹1,000 crore identified in connected accounts.
