Betel leaves seized, disposed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 17 2020:
A huge quantity of betel leaves and tobacco were disposed of at Hijam Dewan Leikai today.
According to James Thokchom, secretary, Peace Humanity Labour Youth Organisation (PHLYO), Meira Paibis of the leikai seized two loads (baskets) of betel leaves and four bags of zarda (tobacco) from a godown belonging to a local woman identified as Oinam Tombi at around 8.30 am.
The betel leaves were brought concealed inside bags of onions yesterday from Guwahati in a truck to be kept at the godown, he said adding that the items, however belong to a person from Bihar who is not in Imphal at present.
The seized items were just a fraction of a large consignment and most of the items may have already been supplied to different individuals, claimed the Meira Paibis.
The seized items were burnt at the club's campus later, he said adding Imphal City Police have seized and recovered 101 bags of onions.
On the other hand, the Food Safety Administration of Imphal West today submitted report of the betel leaves seized from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport a few days back stating that the betel leaves were brought in by violating all norms of food safety and regulations.
The report was today submitted before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal West for the hearing of Zima filed for the seized betel leaves.
The Food Safety Administration mentioned that the seized betel leaves kept at Singjamei Police Station is not fit for human consumption adding that the seized betel leaves were brought in without obtaining certificates of FSSAI.
The Court perused and heard the submission of both sides and fixed tomorrow for further hearing of the Zima.