Dimapur: Amid the recent seizure and public destruction of over 500 kilograms of poppy seeds (khus khus), the NSCN/GPRN-K (Khango-Vusshe) has issued a clarification, citing public interest, preventive measures, and the rationale behind the action taken by its cadres.
According to a statement issued by the outfit’s MIP, the seizure was carried out by its Crime Monitoring Cell (CMC) following specific intelligence received on June 20, 2025.
The information reportedly indicated that an individual identified as Kits Zhimomi was involved in transporting contraband items—including opium seeds, Burma teak, and suspected arms and ammunition—from Moreh to Chümoukedima under the guise of transporting areca nut.
However, the group alleged that its cadres were only able to seize the illegal poppy seeds from the fortified Go-Down Store, where, according to them, various illicit businesses are transacted and guarded by a “swarm of manpower.” The seized material was publicly destroyed in the presence of village authorities and local media representatives.
While acknowledging that poppy seeds are not classified as a narcotic drug under Section 2(xviii) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), the NSCN stated that their origin, storage, and intended use are strictly regulated under central narcotics control law.
To justify its actions, the outfit cited several legal provisions, including:
- Section 8(c) of the NDPS Act, which prohibits possession of material derived from the poppy plant unless it is for medical or scientific purposes under appropriate licensing;
- The requirement that poppy seeds be sourced from licensed opium cultivators under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN);
- The legal burden of proof placed on the possessor in cases involving unusually large quantities of controlled agricultural produce.
The outfit alleged that over 1,000 kilograms of poppy seeds were being stored without any valid documentation from CBN-authorized cultivators or recognized trade channels. It further claimed that although the individual in question held a valid FSSAI license, poppy seeds were not among the approved product categories under that registration.
The NSCN emphasized that under existing law, an FSSAI license alone is insufficient for the handling of bulk quantities of poppy seeds without concurrent CBN trade authorization.
“The absence of a narcotic trade permit or excise certificate, coupled with the magnitude of storage, triggered reasonable suspicion of diversion or misuse,” the statement alleged.
The outfit also stated that it was compelled to act on the matter because “bootleggers, peddlers and the illicit trades are actively operating under the very nose of the Central and State law enforcing agencies, Excise department, and Customs.”
The NSCN concluded by stressing that the action was “preventive in nature, not punitive,” and clarified that no individuals were arrested or detained during the operation.
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