Pallel drug haul Govt studies NCB option
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 27 2013: The State Government is considering the option of handing over the Pallel drug haul case to the Narcotics Control Bureau or any other Central Government investigation agency, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has said.

Addressing the media at his Babupara official residence today, the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that the matter would be discussed in the State Cabinet soon so that the case may be handed over to a Central investigation agency.

Regarding seizure of large quantity drugs from Imphal airport by SIU, Gaikhangam said that the process of handing over the case to CBI is currently underway.

The State Government has also directed the CISF personnel on duty at Imphal airport to remain alert to thwart drug smuggling through air route.

Gaikhangam interacting with media

Noting arrest of MLA TN Haokip's son by the police along with a huge consignment of psychotropic drugs, Gaikhangam said, 'be it politicians or police officers, there is no question of Government leniency against the guilty ones' .

Lauding the police team which seized a large quantity of drugs apart from arrest of the drug traffickers, Gaikhangam said that the Home Department is considering to award them as encouragement.

He also urged the State police personnel to be sincere and active in discharging their duty in future as well.

Saying that there is need to block the State from being used as a 'drug corridor' by drug traffickers, Gaikhangam mentioned about the need of the co-operation and alertness of the general public in this regard.

Government machinaries alone would not be able to check the menace, he said.

On a query whether a relative of a senior police officer was part of the Pallel drug cartel, Gaikhangam said that nothing could be disclosed at this point of time as investigation is going on.

He however said that everybody is equal before law and added justice would prevail.

As the main accused are in police custody, everything would come to light that would automatically lead to catching the 'big fish' soon, Gaikhangam said.

Responding to another query on why manipulation of number plates of vehicle registration number was not mentioned in the three FIRs filed against the arrested persons of Pallel drug haul, Gaikhangam said that he would look into the matter.

Defending the police, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the investigating police officers have taken the matter lightly.