Kohima: The Zunheboto Range Students' Union publicly destroyed a large stockpile of illegal tobacco products at the Lizu Naghuto dumpsite on June 12. This action followed the interception of several shipments on June 9, where union members discovered tobacco hidden among grocery items and daily essentials in Zunheboto Town.
The seized inventory included 19 boxes allegedly smuggled by Sujit Kumar and Samuel, along with four additional boxes taken from Ajmat Karim of M/S General Shop. Union representatives oversaw the incineration process alongside members of the GBs' Association and Sumi Totimi Loka.
The ZRSU stated that its policy is to destroy confiscated goods to ensure they do not re-enter the market or generate revenue for criminal activity. The union explained 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."
This campaign aligns with a June 2 directive from the Nagaland Directorate of Health and Family Welfare prohibiting the sale, transport, and storage of tobacco across the state. The union voiced alarm over the accessibility of these products and urged the local administration to strengthen the enforcement of tobacco control laws to better protect the community and its youth.
Comments