Tobacco dealers pulled up
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 10 2013 :
Seven dealers of tobacco products were today pulled up by a joint team of Health Department and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) from different parts of Khwairamband keithel.
The State Government banned stocking and sale of tobacco and tobacco products in the State since February this year.
Since then, different agencies of the Government have been working to enforce the ban effectively.
Khaini pouches and Zarda packets worth several lakhs were seized by a joint team of NCB and Health Department officials led by Food Safety Deputy Commissioner Brojendro Khaba apart from pulling up the dealers.
Tobacco dealers pulled up by the joint team have been identified as Manojkumar Prasad of Khurai Telipati, Mukesh Kumar of Thangal Bazar, Khumanthem Somen of Awang Khunou, Prakash Shah of Khwairamband New Market, Moti Rai of Ngari Galli, Farish of Lilong and Paramjit of Ngari Galli.
Later speaking to media persons at Medical Directorate, Food Safety Deputy Commissioner Brojendro Khaba said that the tobacco products seized today would be disposed off publicly by setting them ablaze.
Moreover, the Food Safety Commissioner would be consulted so that the apprehended tobacco dealers are fined according to law.
According to the Food Safety Rules, the apprehended tobacco dealers may be fined up to Rs one lakh., Brojendro said.
Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act nodal officer Dr Komodini explained that the Act has clear provisions to imprison or impose fine on people who are found dealing in banned tobacco products.
The nodal officer informed that she would write to the Government so that the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act is enforced in Imphal West and Churachandpur districts.
NCB Superintendent RK Ibungosana was also present at the press meet.