Pallel drug haul : State to work with NCB
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2013: In connection with the recent haul of a large consignment of psychotropic drugs from near Pallel police check post, Director General of Police, Manipur Y Joykumar Singh has asserted that all possible angles would be investigated jointly by the state police and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) .

The State police chief also opined that establishing real identity(s) of individuals and groups financing drug smuggling or patronising the illegal drug trade would be the most effective measure to save the upcoming generation.

Addressing media persons today at the conference hall of Imphal West district police headquarters, Joykumar exuded confidence that on the basis of batch number, manufacture date and other details of the seized consignment, the joint investigation with NCB sleuths could unravel further details on the exact quantity of the drugs transported into Manipur as well as to whom and where, if any, the drugs have been distributed.

Conceding that the Pallel case is one of the most serious issues for Manipur police in recent times, he also disclosed that besides NCB authorities, Civil Aviation Ministry has been intimated for assistance in investigating the case.

DGP Joykumar flanked IGP (LO-I) L Kailun

Conveying that he (DGP) has held discussion on the said case with Kolkata-based NCB Deputy Director General RK Sahu, who reportedly arrived here yesterday consequent to the official intimations, Joykumar confided that the visiting officer stressed on intensive investigation, including back-tracking the drug haul case.

RK Sahu is also said to have assured NCB's logistic support, according to the DGP who further conveyed that the former emphasised on investigating the Pallel case by the same investigation team (police) for handing over the case to the NCB is not the normal procedure.

Joykumar, who maintained that the NCB representative assured all possible assistance to probe every angle related to the case, also cited fictitious names used by the sender(s) and consignment receiver(s) as the main challenge posed to investigators.

Listing Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati as some of the cities from where drug consignments are sent to Manipur through air cargo and postal services, he said law enforcement agencies could not confiscate pharmaceutical goods if the drug dealer or stockist possess valid licence.

To a query, the DGP informed that he alongwith IGP (LO-I) L Kailun and DIG-I clay Khongsai is closely monitoring investigation into the Pallel haul but declined to comment on further details on the ongoing probe.

Affirming that all those involved in drug smuggling cases will have to face the consequences as per law of the land, he also ruled out possibility of handing the accused Colonel (PRO) to army authorities.

While suggesting that speculative comments or adding political tinge to the issue would yield no benefit to anybody, Joykumar welcomed positive suggestion from all concerned that could help in making further inroad into the case.

Reacting to outcry from certain quarter regarding disbandment of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), he pointed out that drug-related cases are being handled by the State's own Narcotics and Affairs of Border headed by a Superintendent of Police.

The police chief said that SIU was a temporary arrangement for some specific case as drug-related cases are also being handled by the Narcotics Cell of Imphal West district police.

Describing manufacture of heroin within Manipur as another challenging task for the law enforcement agencies, he highlighted that earlier trend of transporting heroin producing materials to other States such as UP, West Bengal etc has been technically reversed as local manufacturers have already gained requisite expertise.