Cops on mission to nab drug smugglers : Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 07 2013: Manipur Police have launched a special mission to track down and nab all kingpins of drug smuggling operating in the State.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Gaikhangam in the State Assembly today in response to a call attention motion raised by MLA Dr I Ibohalbi and MLA L Ibomcha about the seizure of a huge consignment of drugs worth Rs 25 crore on its way to Myanmar at Pallel on February 24 .

Noting that the drug situation in Manipur has reached an alarming stage, Gaikhangam underscored the need for a collective fight in order to prevent the young generation from being annihilated by intoxicating drugs.

Following the arrest of six persons including Defence PRO Ajay Chowdhry together with a huge consignment of drugs, three cases have been registered against them at Kakching police station.

As the Government is deeply concerned with the drug menace, the State Cabinet has already decided to hand over the Pallel drug seizure case to the CBI, Gaikhangam stated.

Cops trying to disrupt a protest demonstration staged by women vendors at Khwairamband Keithel against the recent spurt in drug smuggling

Manipur Police are currently undertaking an intensive investigation to wipe out all drugs cartels and put an end to all activities of drug trafficking and smuggling in the State.

Police have been working scrupulously not to let off any one held with drugs.

Raising the call attention motion, Dr Ibohalbi pointed that Manipur has become a route for drug trafficking.

With many influential and powerful persons like army officers, MLAs, Ministers and other high ranking officials involved in drug smuggling, the issue should be dealt with firmly, he said.

People have been staging protest demonstrations against the Government's failure to identify/disclose the real owner of the drug consignment which was seized from Imphal airport in February, Ibohalbi pointed out.

Pseudoephedrine tablets smuggled from different parts of India through Manipur into Myanmar are taken to Golden Triangle where the tablets are used for manufacturing party drugs.

These party drugs are again sent to Manipur.

There are 14 different routes in Manipur for smuggling drugs.

The Narcotics Control Bureau and the State Government need to take up effective measures to check smuggling of drugs through these routes.

Dr Ibohalbi also highlighted the importance of formulating a policy under which all drug entry and arrival points including airport can be scanned thoroughly.

He went on to ask why three different cases were registered against the six individuals who were arrested with drugs at Pallel.

He further enquired whether CBI has accepted the case or should NCB take part in the investigation.

He called upon the ruling bench to harness political will and do not let any evidence disappear so that all the drug smugglers can be charge-sheeted and punish accordingly.

MLA L Ibomcha suggested that investigative capability of the State police need enhancement and the Pallel drug seizure case should be handed over to the CBI together with all the available evidence.

Permission should be given to security forces to check MLAs and Ministers travelling to Moreh.

Stating that the police personnel who intercepted and seized the drugs at Pallel deserve rewards, Ibomcha announced that he would give cash reward of Rs 50,000 to the police team.