Nagaland Excise makes large drug bust
The large quantities of Poppy Straw seized by the Nagaland Excise Department from two trucks at Khuzama check gate on November 29.
3430 Kgs of Poppy Straw worth Rs 34 lakhs seized at Khuzama check gate
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 29 (MExN): In one of the largest narcotic drugs seizures in the state, the Narcotic Cell of the Excise Department, Nagaland seized a total of 3430 Kgs of Poppy Straw on November 28 at the inter-state excise check gate, Khuzama, Kohima.
The consignment was coming from Imphal and was on its way to Siliguri, informed Excise sources.
Poppy straw is the husk left after the opium is extracted from the pods. This poppy straw also contains some morphine content and if used in sufficient quantities, can give a high.
A press release from the Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Narcotics Cell), S Chanlei Angh informed that based on intelligence inputs, the Excise Narcotic Cell duty party intercepted a ten wheeler truck bearing registration number RJ-06 GB 1598 at Inter-State Excise checkgate Khuzama and recovered 1900 Kgs of Poppy Straw hidden below sacks of dried fruits.
In this connection, one accused driver, identified as Narendra Singh (36) was arrested and booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act 1985, and further investigation is on.
At about the same time, the driver of a second ten wheeler truck bearing registration number RJ 19 GA 3943, parked his vehicle at some distance from the gate and disappeared into the forest by the highway, the press release informed.
“Upon searching on suspicion, the same duty party recovered 1530 Kgs of Poppy Straw concealed below sacks of animal feeds (wheat Bran) in the above truck,” the press release informed. The items were seized, and an arrest warrant has been issued against the absconding driver under relevant sections of the NDPS Act 1985.
The total value of the seized drugs is estimated to be Rs 34 lakhs.
The Excise Narcotic Cell duty party consisted of AIE Kenzeu Lungalung, head constable Tovika, and constables Mangyang, Amos, Tongang, Tokaho, Shikaho and Mungnyu.
