SILCHAR — In a significant ruling against inter-state drug trafficking, the Cachar District and Sessions Court on Tuesday sentenced a 43-year-old woman from Manipur to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The convict was found guilty under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for smuggling cannabis across the state border.
The court, presided over by Special Judge Biprajit Roy, also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the convict. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months of imprisonment.
The Incident and Arrest
The convict, identified as Naivung Kuki, a resident of Saikulpi village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, was apprehended on March 19, 2024.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the transport of illegal narcotics via the Barak River, the Lakhipur police set up a vigil at the Fulertal ferry ghat. When a motorized boat arriving from the Jirighat area reached the spot, police intercepted Naivung and conducted a search.
The search led to the recovery of 15.341 kilograms of cannabis (ganja), which was concealed in two bags in her possession.
During her initial interrogation, Naivung reportedly revealed a poignant detail regarding her circumstances. She stated that she had been staying at a relief camp in Manipur—a result of the ongoing ethnic displacement in the state—and had transported the contraband to Cachar with the intention of selling it to a local buyer.
Legal Proceedings
Following the arrest, the Cachar police conducted a thorough investigation and filed a formal charge sheet. After a series of hearings and witness testimonies:
- Guilty Verdict: Delivered on Monday, December 15.
- Sentencing: Pronounced on Tuesday, December 16.
This verdict is seen as a stern message to those exploiting the porous borders and the vulnerable situation of displaced persons to fuel the narcotics trade in the Northeast.
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