Seized IMFL and narcotics worth over Rs 12 crore are seen being readied for disposal during a destruction drive led by the Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Zonal) on April 29 at KMC dumping ground, Dzüruzou, Meriema. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | April 29
Seized IMFL (Indian-Made Foreign Liquor) and narcotic drugs worth around Rs 12 crore were disposed of today during a destruction drive in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, a dry state.
In this regard, Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Zonal), Kohima, Venezolu Dawhuo informed that a total of 17,511 bottles and cans of beer, 3.8 kg of heroin, and 9,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup were taken for destruction during the drive.
The consignments were seized during the period from April 2023 to February 2025.
The drive was carried out at the KMC dumping ground, Dzüruzou, Meriema, in the presence of the Destruction Committee Chairman (Joint Director of Excise–Narcotics), other committee members, staff, and witnesses.
Providing further details of the consignment, Dawhuo informed that the Kohima Excise, on different occasions between April 2023 and February 2025, had seized contraband, narcotics, and other drugs.
Accordingly, eight cases were registered under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, 1985.
“The seized narcotics and other drugs were kept under the safe custody of the Kohima Excise Office Malkhana,” she said.
Since trials for the cases are expected to take a few more years and considering the acute shortage of space for the safe keeping of the seized narcotics and drugs, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Kohima, sought permission from the Commissioner of Excise, Dimapur, for pre-trial destruction of the seized articles, the officer noted.
Such measures are provided under the under Section 52A of the NDPS Act, 1985, for disposal of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“Subsequently a destruction committee had been set up by the Commissioner of Excise for pre-trial destruction of the seized narcotics and other drugs,” she added.
The market value of the destroyed items was approximately Rs 12 crore—Rs 50 lakh for IMFL and around Rs 11.5 crore for the other contraband comprising of 3.8 kilograms of heroin and 9,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
The seized items under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act included 2,985 bottles of 750 ml IMFL, 9,400 cans of 500 ml beer, and 5,126 bottles of 180 ml IMFL — totaling 17,511 bottles and cans.
The seizures were made at the Khuzama Interstate Check Gate and various locations, including shops, hotels, and restaurants across Kohima district.
A total of 1,328 cases were registered, and 1,333 individuals were arrested under the Act.
According to the Zonal Commissioner, a total fine amount of Rs 15,13,000 was realised and deposited into the state exchequer under the Act.
