In what authorities have described as one of the biggest seizures of codeine-based cough syrup in Nagaland in recent times, the Kohima Excise personnel manning the Khuzama inter-state check gate intercepted an Assam-registered vehicle on September 27 and recovered 12,000 bottles of cough syrup worth around Rs 30 lakh in the domestic market.
The vehicle, bearing registration number AS-02-DC-4619, was stopped at around 2:30 p.m., and a thorough check led to the discovery of the contraband packed inside 100 carton boxes.
The driver, identified as Merajul Islam (20), a resident of Nagaon district, Assam, was apprehended on the spot. Excise officials said a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the matter is under active investigation.
The operation was led by Khesangmeu, AIE in-charge, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Zonal), Kohima, Venezolu Dawhuo, confirmed the seizure and said further investigation is underway.