AR initiative to make Moreh drug-free zone
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 12 2012:
Sustaining its efforts to sensitize the local population about drug abuse and its rampant trade in the border area, Assam Rifles along with NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) and other state agencies reportedly conducted two state level seminars in Chandel district on 'Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking' and 'AIDS and Health Awareness' in the last three months.
A PRO IGAR (S) release informed that continuous efforts by the Assam Rifles to make Manipur a drug free society have resulted in the recovery of 18,12,450 Pseudoephedrine tablets, 1.5 kg heroin, 15 kg of opium and 22 kg of ganja along the NH 102 since January this year.
Noting that NH 102 is a major international route of illicit drug trafficking and that effective measures have been jointly instituted by Assam Rifles, NCB and Police to check the same, the release conveyed that of late number of inputs have been received about few influential medical shops/pharmacy, in collusion with other element, being involved in trafficking of banned drugs from Imphal to Moreh.
Seizure of such consignment besides preventing unlawful activities causes immense loss to these antisocial elements who in turn try and project such instances giving it an entirely different fillip by misleading local population thereby hoping to demoralise enforcing agencies and thus expecting smooth and unhindered passage of future illegal consignments.
It is retreated that Assam Rifles is only carrying out deliberate checking only at Khudenthabi post alongwith police.
At other places mobile check post are established on rare occasion only on specific intelligence.
An awareness conference was held at Moreh between AR officials and Border Trade and Chamber of Commerce today during which the issue was explained to all members, and it was informed that NCB has issued state of the art testing kits for drugs to Assam Rifles wherein the test is conducted in front of the vehicle owners only.
The items testing positive are seized and handed over to NCB for detailed investigation, and referred to NCB for further disposal.
Recognising the efforts at Assam Rifles, NCB presented a Gold Medal and certificate for excellence to Assam Rifles troops deployed along NH102 in August, 2012, added the release.