460 gm of brown sugar seized, 3 arrested
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 07 2023: In what raises concern over possible collusion between buffalo traders and drug smugglers along the Indo-Myanmar border, 24 Assam Rifles intercepted a truck carrying 460 gm of brown sugar along with buffaloes at Gamnom in Kamjong district on August 4 .

In connection with the case, the AR apprehended three persons who were subsequently handed over to Shangshak police station on the same day itself and a case has been registered under ND&PS Act.

Ukhrul Police sources said that the three accused have been identified as Asebe Dime (41) son of N Jailang of Saijang Zalukei, Nagaland; Milan Ali (41) son of Shaban Ali of Karai Kheti Bazaar, Barpeta, Assam; and Sanju Choudhury (38) son of Ajit Choudhury of Masjid Gali, PO-Noonmati, PS-Chandmari, Guwahati, Assam.

Investigating officer of the case, SI S Raingam informed that the accused persons were apprehended by 24 AR at one of the check posts situated at Gamnom.

The security personnel intercepted a truck (MNO4C 0671) and on checking, they unearthed 39 soap-cases containing brown sugar approximately 460 gm inside the vehicle.

The truck was reportedly coming from Humine Thana bordering Myanmar and carrying 12 buffaloes for transportation towards Dimapur.

Meanwhile, the police said that the main accused Asebe Dime alias Mataimi AS, truck driver Milan Ali and second driver Sanju Choudhury were produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul through video conference on August 5 and were remanded to police custody for 7 days till August 11 .

The police officer further informed that medical check up on the three accused was also done at Ukhrul District Hospital on August S and added the three accused would be taken to Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), Imphal for further necessary interrogation.

Details concerning the case, including their contact and destination could be ascertained only after the joint interrogation, he added.

Meanwhile, the Raizan Traders' Association (RTA), Kamjong district, has lauded the yeoman's service of the AR in apprehending drugs at Gamnom check post.

"It is a known fact that the RTA has been working tirelessly to create an environment of healthy and friendly business relations across Indo-Myanmar communities at Kamjong district," said RTA in a statement.

The Association expressed concern that a blot of such illicit trade transactions has paralysed the normal trading culture which has been built in ages.

"To show our co-operation and efforts in eradicating drug menace, the RTA stands with the state agencies and entire communities by condemning those involved in such contraband business," it said.

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