Only 14 convicted so far in drug cases in last 5 years, which works out to only .05 pc
Over 2500 held under WoD in last five years
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 29 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh who is also in charge of Home has stated that altogether 2536 individuals were arrested in connection with drug related cases under War on Drug campaign in the last five years (2017 to 2022) of whom 2158 are in judicial custody while 14 have been convicted.
On the fifth sitting of the second session of Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister also expressed his disappointment over the alleged involvement of drug manufacturers in illegal drug trade.
Opposition MLA Th Lokseshwor sought response from the State Government about the number of individuals arrested in connection with drug related cases in between 2017 and 2022, the quantity of drugs seized from them and legal actions taken up so far during the question hour of the State Assembly.
Responding to the MLA, N Biren informed the House that 2536 people were arrested in connection with drug related cases of which 697 have been chargesheeted while 2158 are in judicial custody, 1743 cases registered while 1029 cases are pending.
He further stated 14 people were convicted in the last five years in connection with drug related cases.
On the amount of drugs seized, the Chief Minister stated that 25 items of drugs including heroin (193.3kg); brown sugar (2690.6 kg); opium (1626.5 kg and 225 litre in liquid form); WY tablets (10085472 pcs); SP tablets (1108320 pcs) and ganja (7785.4 kg) among others were seized in the last five years.
To another query, N Biren continued that the State Government launched the War on Drugs campaign in 2017 to save the younger generation from the menace of drugs.
Saying that some people including a Myanmar National are also being kept in jail under NDPS Act 1988 in drug related cases, he added that State security personnel are being trained to handle drug cases by CBI, NIA and NDPS.
Expressing concern over the involvement of Government employees in illegal drug trade, the Chief Minister said that one Assam Rifles and State police personnel were held for illegal possession of drugs a few days back in Assam.
The Chief Minister further stated that seven police personnel and one staff of Veterinary Department are also included among those held along with drugs.
He continued that departmental enquiry has been initiated in the police department to study the background of the personnel and only those with clean background would be posted in border areas.
To a query raised by Congress MLA K Meghachandra, the Chief Minister stated that the Government is considering constructing State Haj House in Lilong sub-division.
Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, while responding to Congress MLA Suijakumar Okram, said that 3519 cases of vehicle theft were reported in the last five years and the vehicles which were stolen include 2996 two wheelers, 49 three wheelers, 441 four wheelers and 33 heavy vehicles.
He informed that 284 stolen vehicles were recovered till July 25 last and 243 vehicle lifters arrested of whom 98 have been convicted.