Shillong Customs Destroys Ganja Worth Over Three Crores Rupees
THE officers of Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, North Eastern Region on 10 th February, 2011, destroyed illicit Cannabis (Ganja) cultivation grown in vast areas of Nirala Char under Baghbor P.S and Karai khaiti Char under Alopatichar P.S in Barpeta district of Assam. The officers also destroyed semi-dry ganja plant weighing approximately 6000 kgs . These plants had been recently harvested by the cultivators and kept in the fields for drying. The value of the semi-dry ganja is estimated at ` 3 crores . Local Police officers of Alopatichar P.S under the direction of the Superintendent of Police, Barpeta also assisted in the operation. A team of departmental officers consisting of more than 40 personnel participated in the day long operation of cutting and uprooting the fully grown Cannabis (Ganja) plants and burning them along with the recovered semi-dry ganja at the site of cultivation. Some of the already harvested semi-dry ganja plants, wrapped in plastic bags, were found concealed among wheat cultivation, buried in pits in the back yard of some of the houses and even on tree tops. Similar destruction operations were carried out in neighbouring areas in the previous year and it was seen that this year cultivation did not take place in those areas. However, everywhere cultivators moved further into more remote areas not connected by motorable roads to escape the notice of Government agencies. The team had to walk several kilometers and even cross a rivulet by boat to reach the cultivated areas. Cultivation and dealing with Cannabis (Ganja) in any form is prohibited under provision of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Act, 1985. Further investigation regarding identity of the growers and marketing of the final produce is on, informs Mr. Ray Baruah Commissioner of Customs Preventive Shillong.