Dimapur, August 27 (MExN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) have called for stringent action against those involved in the alleged illicit trade of codeine-based cough syrup following a major seizure by Dimapur Police.
Dimapur Police seized 19,760 bottles of suspected codeine-based cough syrup, equivalent to 126 cartons, at Marwari Patti, Dimapur, on the night of August 25. The seizure has drawn support from both the NCD and NMDA, with the organisations calling for further investigation and action against those involved.
The NCD urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest "all those drug dealers, drug lords and their gang members," and leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice and awarding befitting punishment under the law.
The council also appealed to Dimapur-based civil society organisations, citizens and church leaders to cooperate with the police in controlling the sale of narcotic drugs, banned pharmaceutical drugs and liquor.
It expressed concern over the possibility of "many hidden stores in Dimapur" where banned drugs and other unwanted commodities could be stocked for sale to young people.
Meanwhile, the NMDA welcomed the police seizure, describing it as a "significant step" in the fight against the illicit trade in narcotic drugs. In a press release issued on August 27, the association congratulated Dimapur Police and said the operation reflected the "unwavering commitment and vigilance" of law enforcement agencies towards zero tolerance for narcotic drugs.
The NMDA also acknowledged the efforts of the Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTF), its in-charge and other government law enforcement agencies in identifying and apprehending persons allegedly involved in the illicit trade.
As the apex body of medicine dealers in Nagaland, the NMDA said it "strongly condemns" illegal activities by drug licence holders, whether members or non-members of the association.
It stated that dealers engaging in malpractice or misusing their licences for illegal dealings not only tarnish the pharmaceutical profession but also pose a threat to young people and society.
"The NMDA stands firmly with the Drugs Department and all Law Enforcement Agencies on their zero tolerance on narcotic drugs," the association stated, assuring cooperation and support for action against offenders in accordance with the law.
The association further expressed confidence that the police would apprehend those involved and reiterated its commitment to ethical practices in the pharmaceutical trade and efforts towards a drug-free society.
