Imphal West district police seized tobacco products from a Tata Ace mini truck worth around Rs 12 lakh along with the arrest of two persons yesterday.
The arrested persons have been identified as Premchand Prajapati (37) s/o Sudama Prajapati from Uttar Pradesh presently staying in a rented house at Wahengbam Leikai and Khunjamayum Jhalajit (41) s/o Rajmani of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai.
The seized smokeless tobacco products were exhibited at Imphal West commando complex today evening in the presence of media persons.
Speaking to the media persons, SP Imphal West Themthing Ngashangva said that police have been conducting drive against sale of tobacco items under Food Safety and Standard (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2011.
He claimed that a team of the district police while conducting frisking and checking at Uripok Khoisnam Leikai yesterday at around 10.15 pm, a Tata Ace mini truck coming in a suspicious manner was stopped for checking.
When checked, the police team found zarda, khaini and gutkha worth Rs 12 lakh in the local market.
On interrogation, Premchand Prajapati revealed that he is engaged in transportation of zarda, khaini, gutkha and other tobacco products. Kh Jhalajit disclosed that the seized tobacco products belonged to one Kishore Prasad (32) from Sitamarhi, Bihar presently staying at Nagamapal Ngari Gali.
The SP informed that the seized tobacco products along with the arrested persons will be handed over to Imphal police station and Food Safety Officer, Imphal West concerned for taking up necessary action.
At Churachandpur too, police seized a huge quantity of tobacco products estimated to be worth about Rs 5 lakh today from one non-local man who is involved in trading the banned item in and around the town.
The seized tobacco products include two cartons of 50 gms Baba Black zarda, 56 boxes of Balmiki pan masala, 60 pouches of Signal pan masala, 9 cartons of Savera (Large), 2 cartons of Savera (Small), 2 big white cartons of Signal, 3 bags of Nevla chewing tobacco, and 1 bag of Talab pan masala.
The seized items after being displayed before the media were handed over to the Food Safety Department for disposal.
The police team was led by M Kumarjit ASP (Ops), and SDPO, CCpur; SDPO, Thanlon.
Source:The Sangai Express
