With focus on breaking entire nexus, Nagaland Police busts major drug ring

12 arrested so far in major inter-state network

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 14

The Nagaland Police stated today that its focus has shifted to breaking the entire nexus operating in the supply chain of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS).

In this direction, efforts are being made to develop the forward and backward linkages in NDPS cases and apprehend all persons operating in the network, conveyed the State Police during a press conference addressed by Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma, along with other police officers at the Police headquarters in Kohima on December 13.

In addition to better investigation and prosecution and technology upgrading, a Canine Squad for crackdowns into NDPS cases is being pursued relentlessly, the police said, assuring its commitment to ensuring a drug-free Nagaland in line with the efforts of the Government of India towards a Drug-Free India by 2047.

Furthermore, specialised training and skill upgrading are being imparted to the workforce associated with NDPS-related cases. 

For better coordination on NDPS-related cases, an officer of the rank of DIG has been designated as a link officer for the coordination of efforts within the state and unearthing linkages that were going undetected, Sharma added.

New modus operandi busted
According to the DGP, ‘criminals’ are devising multiple modus operandi in drug trafficking, and a network of traffickers has been transporting drugs through the backlight indicator of the car, with soap cases containing contrabands stored inside the cavity.

“On a conservative estimate, both sides of the backlight can carry 30 soap cases in one trip, which would be a minimum of 300 grams,” he said. 

In most police cases earlier, while the persons carrying drugs were arrested and booked, now, investigations are taken up into greater depth to unearth further, he informed.

Citing a particular case currently under investigation, Sharma said two persons who were arrested were travelling in 2 separate vehicles, the first vehicle being the escort of the latter. 

While the first vehicle was not carrying any contraband, the 2nd vehicle was transporting 90 soap cases, roughly around 1100 grams, he said. The incident occurred on November 13.

Following a month-long investigation and interrogation conducted by officers from various departments, including narcotics, CID, DGP, among others, along with the examination of additional evidence and witness statements, it has now been determined that the individuals engaged in trafficking have committed the offence 90 to 100 times in the past year, the DGP added.

“Every time, it is no less than 75-80 boxes of heroin. Bank records have revealed an initial transaction of about 6-7 crore rupees,” he said. 

A total of 12 persons have been arrested in this major inter-state network, he added.

Besides Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, the police established links that drugs were transported as far as West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh and it is also suspected to be transported even to Punjab and Haryana, Sharma said. 

The Nagaland Police is communicating with the police of these states, he added.

Just one network such as this has been able to transport 50-60 kilograms of contraband, the DGP said, further indicating the operation of other similar networks. 

He also stated that the value of all narcotics seized in Nagaland amounted to approximately Rs 90 crore.

The State’s top cop also informed a legal provision for addicts and minor consumers. 

If they fully disclose their involvement in the entire buying and selling chain to the police, they may be granted relief, potentially leading to their release, he said. 

The DGP asked public to use this platform and become network in dismantling drug nexus.

318 Cases & 456 Persons in 2023
Meanwhile, since January 1, 2023, Nagaland Police has registered a total of 318 cases, and 456 persons have been arrested in connection with NDPS-related activities. 

Besides, seizures of contrabands included Ganja-1171.5 Kgs, Opium- 32.645 Kgs, Heroin- 26.631 Kgs, Brown Sugar- 5.465 Kgs, Yaba Tablets- 21027, Spasmoproxyvon Capsules-34186, Nitrozepam tablets – 2344, Nitrosen- 1550 Tabs, Alprazolam Tablets- 4010, Crystal Meth- 460 Grams, Simplex Capsules- 22182; Sampex Plus Capsules- 11018, and 6139 bottles of Cough Syrup.

Forensic machine to be operational soon
The DGP also informed that a machine for chemical and forensic analysis of drug samples has been installed at PHQ and termed it as another positive breakthrough towards aiding investigation on drugs issues. 

The machine is waiting for some additional equipment or chemicals, which are being imported, he said. 

Earlier, the Nagaland Police used to send drug samples to other states for testing, a process that would take months to receive the results. 

Stressing the need for such a machine, Sharma highlighted that a delay in obtaining forensic and chemical reports provides an opportunity for the accused to exploit and secure bail, thereby impacting the thorough investigation of the case. 

The machine will be able to be operative by early next year, he added.

The DGP also highlighted that the Nagaland Police has made efforts to involve civil society organisations, paving the way for community participation in policing and urged the public to join hands with the police to combat crime and drug trafficking.