A Botoking
Dimapur | February 3
THIS STORY begins in the narrow by lanes of Lahorijan (Karbi Anglong District, Assam). Walking towards the shanties along the railway line leading out of Dimapur, Raja (not real name), a guide and companion, helps unravel the truth about the illegal trade in brown sugar.
Lahorijan has gained notoriety and infamy for various nefarious illegal activities of which the trade of narcotics such as brown sugar and pharmaceutical paraphernalia form a major part. Narcotics such as brown sugar are known to be transported easily by train from the Indian mainland, particularly from Bihar (Benaras). Light was shed on the fact that these narcotics are then sold through various peddlers/conduits who consist of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, who out of want for jobs, indulge in the illegal trade which has become a true source of good income for them.
Raja reveals that a gram of pure brown sugar fetches Rs 300 while an adulterated version of the same quantity comes to the tune of Rs 200-250. The net weight of a new 100 rupee note coupled with the weight of two match sticks is recognized to be the equivalent of one gram.
Further, it was informed that substantial amounts of brown sugar is purchased by various Naga individuals who peddle these drugs in Kohima and Zunheboto, which in turn is sold for Rs 900 per gram. A habitual user/addict consumes an average of three grams of brown sugar in a day. Because of this, most of the addicts also double up as peddlers in order to sustain their habits. This has brought about a never ending vicious cycle ensnaring new victims along its path of destruction.
Located conveniently at the border outside Dimapur, this illegal trade remains out of the reach of Nagaland’s law enforcement agencies who are aware of this menace but helpless at the same time to remedy this situation.
And according to reliable sources, Assam Police remain mute witnesses as well as beneficiaries of the destruction and havoc this illegal trade is inflicting on the youth.
Morung Express News
