Seized tobacco items worth Rs 1.72 crore disposed at Chandel
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 17 2013:
A huge consignment of banned tobacco products, "Zarda and Khaini", worth Rs.1.72 crores, which were seized by personnel of 20th AR from 10 people at Larong Village in Chandel district on May 28 last while trying to smuggle into Moreh town from Churachandpur, has been disposed by setting on fire at the bank of Chakpi River near Japhou Bazar on July 15 in presence of Food Safety Officer of Chandel, police and members of civil organizations.
The order for disposal was issued by the Court of Additional District Magistrate, Chandel district after the seized tobacco products were re-seized by the Food Safety Officer of Chandel District on May 29 and kept at Chandel Police Station.
The 10 people, who were involved in smuggling of the tobacco products banned under Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, were also fined Rs.20,000 by the ADM Court.
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They have been identified as Lalam (40), w/o Kakai of Moreh Ward No.7, Hitin Haokip (36), w/o Soson of Moreh Ward No.7, Rengneilen Aimol (24), s/o (late) Sumtinson of Khudengthabi, Wangton (27), s/o (late) Obson of Lamkang Khunou, Kismahom (47), s/o (late) Aber of Kakching Makha Leikai, Thanggin (25), s/o (late) Jamkhohem of Shokam Village, Amang Haokip (24), s/o (late) A Jang of Bongyang, SS Bengam (28), s/o SS Betoi of Kongpi Village, J Wangring (28), s/o Khaithoi of Khunkha Village, and Holmang Baite (40), s/o (late) Chungkholun of Makhao Mollum Village, Churachandpur.
On July 11, the Additional District Magistrate ordered the offenders to pay a fine of Rs.20,000 within seven days in the form of crossed demand draft drawn from a nationalized bank in favour of "Adjudicating Officer, Chandel District" payable at Chandel and empowered the Food Safety Officer to dispose the seized tobacco products.
It may be mentioned that the seized tobacco products were 6769 packets containing 10 pieces each of Zarda and 1458 packets containing 30 pieces each of Golden Khaini.
They were being smuggled from Churachandpur to Moreh town in two Shaktiman trucks and two Tata Sumo jeeps.
The deposal of seized tobacco products at Japhou Bazar was witnessed by the Chief of Paraolon Village, officials of Chandel District Police, representatives of Chandel Naga People's Organization and other civil organizations.