Pallel drug seizure case Cabinet opts for CBI
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 04 2013:
The recent case of seizure of drugs worth Rs 25 crores in international market by Thoubal police from six individuals including defence PRO Col Ajay Chowdhry at Pallel on February 24 would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation as per a resolution of the State Cabinet.
Chief Minister O Ibobi presided a Cabinet meeting this morning and discussed about the recent seizure of huge consignment of drugs.
The meeting resolved that the particular case of drug smuggling in which the defence PRO was involved should be handed over to the CBI.
Talking to The Sangai Express, Government spokesman and Education Minister M Okendro conveyed that the Cabinet meeting first studied the option of handing over the particular case to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) but it turned out that NCB handled only the cases where drugs were seized by their men.
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Subsequently, it was decided to hand the case to the CBI.
The State Cabinet while deliberating on the high-profile drug smuggling case with all seriousness, appreciated the exemplary courage and dedication shown by Thoubal police commandos.
When CID SI L Lupajao halted the vehicles in which the Defence PRO and his team were travelling, the Colonel argued that they were travelling on the highway after giving due information to the SP and went ahead.
It was with the help of commandos that the Colonel and his team were halted and later arrested with a huge consignment of drugs.
Taking a cue from the incident, the State Cabinet discussed the protocol which MLAs and Ministers should follow while travelling to Moreh and whether or not they should adorn their vehicles with flags, beacon lights etc.
It also discussed certain rules and regulations which security personnel should comply with.
It is reported that police have registered three cases under NDPS Act in connection with the Pallel drug haul.
Other persons who were arrested together with the PRO were his assistant RK Babloo, Assistant Manager of Indigo Airlines Ngairangbam Brojendro, Haopu Haokip, Minthang Doungel and Milan Haokip.
Subsequent upon their arrest, Seikholen Haokip, son of MLA TN Haokip was also pulled up on February 25 .
All the arrested persons have been remanded by Court to police custody till March 8 .
Notably, the other case in which drugs worth Rs 1.5 crore was seized from Imphal airport by the now disbanded SIU on January 1 last was already handed over to the CBI.