Driver gives the slip, leaves 49.5 Kg opium

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 12 : Security forces seized approximately 49.5 Kg of suspected opium from a car that evaded a police checkpoint before being found abandoned at Hengbung village at around 6 am, today.
According to police sources, the incident occurred while personnel of the Senapati Police and Hengbung Outpost were conducting vehicle frisking and checking at the T Khullen check post in Senapati district.
According to police, a white Hyundai Creta bearing a Nagaland registration number, which was travelling from Imphal side, was signalled to stop at the checkpoint. However, the driver allegedly ignored the signal and sped towards Senapati.
Police personnel immediately pursued the vehicle, while the Hengbung Outpost was alerted to intercept it.
The vehicle was later found abandoned near Hengbung Baptist Church with the ignition key still inside, police said.
According to police, the vehicle is registered in the name of one Z Reithingam (52) of Kamphasom, Ukhrul district, who is currently residing at Kukidolong village in Dimapur, Nagaland.
Police said intensive efforts were made to identify and trace the driver.
As the driver's identity could not be established, the vehicle was taken to the T Khullen check post for a thorough inspection.
During the search, police recovered 49 packets of suspected opium weighing approximately 49.5 kg concealed inside the vehicle.
The suspected contraband, along with the vehicle, has been handed over to Senapati Police for further investigation and necessary legal action.