CADA expresses suspicion of misusing seized betel leaves
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 15 2020:
Expressing suspicion that some quantity of the betel leaves which were seized from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on April 4 might have been retrieved from the Police Station and the baskets which were used for storing betel leaves might be occupied with cabbage leaves and sheets of paper, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) appealed the State Government and authorities concerned to cross-check the seized items at the earliest.
A press release signed by Khundongbam Anand, secretary information & publicity CADA said that paan masala is widely available in many shops even today despite the imposition of lockdown and curfew in the country.
Asking from where these ingredients used in paan masala are brought from when there is a suspension of flight service and National Highways sealed, allowing the transportation of only essential commodities and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) only, Anand stated that vast availability of betel leaves in the present-time is very questionable.
If the quantity of seized items is found diminishing on cross-checking, an enquiry must be started immediately and book all involved in the fraudulent activity, he demanded.
It may be mentioned that several States have banned the sale of gutka and pan masala as a measure to control coronavirus from spreading.