Tobacco products widely available in State, says KSA
seized betel leaves kept intact at PS: CADA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 16 2020: Though the Central Government has banned the sale of tobacco products during the extended lockdown and warned of imposing fine on people who spit in public places, gutka, paan masala and smokeless tobacco products are still selling in the State 'unchecked' at a higher price, said Kangleipak Students' Association in a statement today.

In this regard, KSA asked the State Government and law enforcement agencies of its motive behind allowing the sale of such products when people are bearing the brunt of lockdown.

The student body then urged the State Government, local clubs etc.

to contribute their share in combating COVID-19 pandemic and punish whoever found violating the Government's order as per law.

On the other hand, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) has claimed that the betel leaves which were seized from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on April 4 are still kept at 'Singjamei Police Station intact' .

A press release signed by Khundongbam Anand, secretary information & publicity CADA said that a 5 member team of CADA volunteers led by its president and police personnel of Singjamei Police Station crosschecked the seized betel leaves, today.

Though the baskets were found intact on cross-checking, the betel leaves have started deteriorating, said Anand adding that the rumours of filling the baskets with cabbage leaves and sheets of paper were also proved false as there is no sign of breaking Government seal on each basket.

He appealed the State Government to dispose of the betel leaves publicly.

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