Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton. (File Photo)
Dimapur, August 28 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and civic organisations have commended the Dimapur Police for seizing a large consignment of suspected codeine-based cough syrup and called for a thorough investigation into the supply network.
The Dy CM said the investigation was underway to trace the wider supply network and identify those connected with the illegal trade. He assured that the state government stood firmly with police personnel in their efforts to safeguard communities, uphold the law and maintain peace and security.
Patton said the illicit trade in restricted pharmaceutical drugs posed a serious threat to the youth and remained a major concern for parents and families across the state.
He said the seizure reflected the state government’s resolve in its ongoing fight against drugs and its commitment to protecting young people and creating a safer environment.
He lauded appreciated DGP Rupin Sharma and the Dimapur Police team led by Commissioner of Police Aotula T Imchen for their timely action in intercepting the consignment, according to a statement issued by his Media Cell. He commended the officers and personnel involved for their vigilance and prompt action in preventing the contraband from entering wider circulation.
The Joint Council Forum (JCF) also commended the Dimapur Police and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) for seizing 19,760 bottles of suspected codeine-based cough syrup.
The forum urged authorities to investigate the entire network involved in the procurement, transportation, financing, distribution and circulation of the substance and arrest and prosecute all those found culpable.
It said the investigation should trace the source and supply chain and identify those benefiting from the illegal trade, adding that action should not be limited to the seizure.
The JCF said the illegal drug trade posed a serious threat to public health and society, particularly the younger generation, and expressed support for continued law-enforcement efforts against the menace.
The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen’s Federation (DUCCF) called for a comprehensive investigation to identify all persons involved in the alleged illegal syndicate and ensure stringent action under the law.
The DUCCF said drug abuse had claimed many lives in Nagaland and called on civil society organisations, community leaders, churches and residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in curbing the sale and distribution of narcotics and illicit substances.
It also urged sustained vigilance, heightened surveillance and continued operations to prevent similar activities in urban areas.
The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO)Dsaid the scale of the seizure highlighted the need for sustained enforcement and intelligence-based operations against those involved in the illegal procurement, storage, transportation and distribution of such substances.
The organisation urged the police to take stringent action against all persons found involved in the illegal trade in accordance with law. It also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on drug-related activities to law-enforcement agencies.
DAYO said tackling drug abuse required collective responsibility involving the government, law-enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, communities and citizens, and called for zero tolerance towards the illegal drug trade in Dimapur and Nagaland.
