Post Pallel drug seizure : Stringent security on Imphal-Moreh route
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 02 2013: In the face of heightened security measures put in place along Imphal-Moreh highway in the aftermath of the seizure of a huge consignment of drugs on February 24, movement of vehicles suspected to be carrying contraband or illegal goods has declined considerably on the highway.

With the seizure of drugs on their way to Myanmar on several occasions, it has been already realised that Imphal-Moreh highway is one of the key routes for smuggling drugs to Myanmar.

After seizure of huge consignments of drugs from Imphal airport and Mantripukhri on January 11 and February 15 respectively this year, another huge consignment of drug was intercepted and seized by police at Pallel check-post on its way to Myanmar on February 24 .

In a startling revelation, many high ranking officials and relatives of distinguished personalities were found involved in the drug smuggling racket.

This particular incident of Pallel fuelled more suspicion among the general public about the possible involvement of many high profile and influential people in the drug smuggling racket.

Subsequently, the Government took up certain measures under which security personnel manning check posts opened along the highway are empowered to check all kinds of vehicles including those used by VIPs.

According to some security personnel posted at these check posts, there is however no question of checking vehicles used by VIPs along Imphal-Moreh highway as of now.

After the eye-opening drug seizure at Pallel from six persons including an army Colonel, vehicles with tinted glasses have disappeared from the highway.

Notably, the army Colonel and his cohorts used three vehicles for transporting their drug consignments up to Moreh were all fitted with tinted glasses.

Goods brought from Moreh as well as Imphal are being checked intensively at the army check posts opened along the highway.

The security personnel who checked the goods would sign his initial on the palm of the driver carrying the goods after completing the checking.

After this, the driver would make entry of his vehicle at the check post before proceeding onward.

Even if the travellers/passengers happen to be Government officials and they identify themselves, they are not given passage without checking.

Regular checking of vehicles is also done at Pallel police check posts, they added.

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