ZRSU executives along with other officials in Zunheboto on June 12.
Zunheboto, June 13 (MExN): The Zunheboto Range Students' Union (ZRSU) on June 12 publicly destroyed a large quantity of seized illicit tobacco products at the Lizu Naghuto dumpsite in Zunheboto Sadar, reaffirming its commitment to preventing banned products from re-entering the market.
According to the union, the seized tobacco products were intercepted after being transported along with grocery items and daily essentials. The consignment included 19 package boxes allegedly smuggled by wholesalers identified as Sujit Kumar and Samuel, while another four package boxes were seized from Ajmat Karim, proprietor of M/S General Shop.
The confiscated tobacco products were incinerated in the presence of representatives of the GBs' Association and Sumi Totimi Loka, Zunheboto Town.
The ZRSU said it had adopted a firm policy of ensuring that seized illegal products are destroyed rather than allowed back into the market, stating that such products should not compete with legitimate businesses or generate revenue for further illicit activities.
The union expressed concern that tobacco products continue to be increasingly accessible despite existing laws, posing a serious threat to public health and the future of young people. It appealed to the district administration to strictly enforce tobacco control laws, saying stronger implementation is essential to safeguard community health.
The ZRSU stated that effective enforcement of tobacco regulations is not merely a restrictive measure but an investment in a healthier future, free from nicotine dependence and preventable diseases.
The union said its action followed a notification issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, on June 2, prohibiting the sale, storage, transportation, distribution, manufacture and processing of tobacco products in the state.
Acting on the notification, the ZRSU intercepted bulk consignments of tobacco products transported by truck at New Colony and Project Colony under Zunheboto Town on the evening of June 9.
Highlighting the harmful effects of nicotine, the union said tobacco addiction damages nearly every organ of the body, shortens life expectancy and adversely affects brain development and academic performance among students while increasing the risk of long-term illnesses.
The union also expressed concern over alleged revenue fraud and smuggling associated with illegal tobacco trade and reiterated its resolve to destroy all seized products to prevent them from re-entering commercial circulation.
It further appealed to civil society organisations to support such disposal drives as a means of curbing illegal trade, dismantling criminal networks and preventing illicit tobacco products from returning to the market.
