After drugs, zarda worth Rs 1.5cr seized at Pallel

IMPHAL: In the wake of a string of drug hauls at Pallel market in Thoubal district, which were to be sent to Myanmar via the border town of Moreh, two truckloads of zarda, also to be smuggled to the neighbouring country, was confiscated here.

Thoubal district police seized the mammoth consignment of different brands of zarda loaded in two trucks from six persons during a frisking near the gate of Pallel police station around 11.30pm on Monday.

A statement issued by Thoubal police said the value of the zarda kept in 345 cartons will be around Rs 1.5 crore in the open market. The arrested persons, along with the seized tobacco items, have been handed over to the food safety officer (Thoubal) for taking necessary action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The smuggling of tobacco to Myanmar alerted security agencies manning the Imphal-Moreh section of NH-2 as Manipur has banned sale, transportation, manufacture and consumption of smokeless tobacco products.

In February this year, the state government banned manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, display, sale and purchase of gutka, khaini, zarda, paan masala and other chewable and smokeless tobacco products.

The statement added that Thoubal district police would continue to conduct raids in order to implement the government order in the interest of public health. It also sought cooperation and support from the public. A senior police officer said there were frequent instances of shipping tobacco products to Myanmar before the ban was imposed.