Imphal, Feb 28: Cases of youths transporting illegal drugs are rising in Manipur, according to police.
In this regard, a senior officer of Manipur Police department on Tuesday expressed strong concern.
“It is unfortunate that illegal drug dealers are using young people in the transportation of drug consignments”, said Imphal West district superintendent of police, Ksh Shivakanta while addressing media persons on the arrest of a youth with 5 kg of brown sugar.
A police commando team attached with Imphal West district police arrested a 19-year-old youth with 5 kg of brown sugar on Monday evening, the police officer informed.
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The commando team intercepted the youth carrying the brown sugar upon checking a passenger service (Magic Tata) vehicle at a parking lot near Singjamei Supermarket under Singjamei police, he further informed.
The Imphal-bound passenger service vehicle originated from Lilong and during spot verification, the police came to know that the illegal drug packed in five plastic carry bags was handed over to him by a man from Lilong.
While handing over it, the man asked him to hand over the same to another person who will be waiting for him (the carrier) at a place in Imphal, the police officer also said.
The arrested youth along with the seized drugs has been handed over to the Singjamei police station for taking up legal action, he added.
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The police officer expressed strong concern while alleging that instances of seizing illegal drugs from the young people in the state are increasing.
He alleged that illegal drug dealers or smugglers are hiring young people, mostly college going youths, in the transportation and delivering drugs.
“Involving such young people in drug transportation is very unfortunate. It should be taken seriously,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 21-year-old woman was arrested along with her husband by a team of Imphal West police commandos with 7 gram of heroin powder and WY tablets today, police said.
The arrested couple were identified as Melody Haokip (21) and her husband Md Noor Khan who are staying in a rented house in Imphal West district.
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They were arrested from their rented house where the police commando team comprised female personnel, a police source further said.
The heroin powder in 50 plastic vials and 374 pieces of WY tablets along with a cash amount of Rs 1,04,160 (proceeds from sale of drugs) were recovered from their possessions.
Rs 1500 in old currency notes and a two-wheeler scooter was also recovered, the police added.
The arrested couple and the seized articles have been handed over to Imphal police station for necessary legal action, the police further added.
NNN
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