Silchar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at six locations across Assam’s Barak Valley as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal trade of Burmese areca nuts, commonly known as Burmese supari.

According to sources, ED teams launched simultaneous searches early in the morning at five locations in Cachar district and one location in Hailakandi district.

The searches were reportedly conducted at the residences and business premises of individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal areca nut trade.

Among the locations searched were premises linked to Deepankar Dey, a resident of Hospital Road in Silchar, and areca nut trader Zakir Talukdar, associated with the Leather Warehouse area. Officials also carried out searches at a location in Hailakandi district as part of the ongoing investigation, sources said.

The Enforcement Directorate has not yet issued an official statement regarding the operation or disclosed the nature of the evidence recovered. The investigation is continuing, and further details are awaited.