NSCN Khango-Vusshe seized over 500 kg of illegal poppy seeds citing NDPS Act violations, stressing preventive motives.
DIMAPUR — In light of the recent seizure and public disposal of over 500 kilograms of poppy seeds (khus khus) by the cadres of the NSCN/GPRN-K (Khango-Vusshe), the group has clarified the basis, public interest motives, and preventive nature of the action undertaken.
In a press statement, the NSCN said that the Crime Monitoring Cell (CMC) acted upon receiving specific information on June 20 that Kits Zhimomi was transporting illegal items such as opium seeds, Burma teak, and suspected arms and ammunition from Moreh to Chümoukedima, disguised as a shipment of areca nuts.
However, it was alleged that the cadres were only able to seize the illegal poppy seeds from the fortified storage facility, where all illicit transactions take place and which is guarded by a large number of personnel.
The seized items were destroyed transparently in the presence of the village authority and the media to prevent redistribution through the illegal black market and to eliminate the risk of potential adulteration or cross-contamination.
It maintained that, while poppy seeds are not classified as a narcotic drug under Section 2 (xviii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 (NDPS Act), their origin, storage, and intended use are strictly regulated under central narcotics control law.
Justifying the seizure of a large quantity of poppy seeds from Kiyeto Zhimomi, alias Kits Zhimomi, and their subsequent destruction, the group said that under Section 8 of the NDPS Act, possession of materials derived from the poppy plant is prohibited unless for medical or scientific use under a proper licence.
Noting that poppy seeds, although exempt as a direct narcotic, must originate from licensed opium cultivators under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), it was mentioned that the burden of proving legal procurement rests solely on the possessor when such items are held in unusually high quantities.
“In this instance over 1000 kilograms of poppy seeds were stored without any documentation of lawful sourcing from CBN-authorised cultivators or licensed trade channels,” it said.
Further, stating that the entity in question holds a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) food manufacturing licence; however, a thorough examination of their licence revealed that poppy seeds are not listed among the permitted product categories. The NSCN said that under current law, an FSSAI licence alone is insufficient to handle bulk poppy seeds without concurrent CBN trade authorisation.
“The absence of a narcotic trade permit or excise certificate coupled with the magnitude of storage triggered reasonable suspicion of diversion or misuse,” it noted, adding that the NSCN was constrained to act as bootleggers, peddlers, and illicit traders who are actively operating under the very noses of the central and state law enforcement agencies.
Remarking that the action of the NSCN only reflects community vigilance in line with its commitment to anti-narcotic enforcement, at a time when illicit trade threatens the social fabric, citizen-led seizure and safeguarding efforts remain critical, especially in regions facing fragile enforcement infrastructure, it said that the intent was preventive in nature, not punitive, as no individuals were arrested or detained during this operation.