The Narcotics and Affairs of Border in the north-east state of Manipur has arrested a prominent BJP leader, Lutkhosei Zou, along with seven others with illegal contraband drugs, arms and old currency notes worth Rs 27 crore.
The other individuals arrested have been identified as Esther Vungheinuam, Mung Zou Aric, Teresa Ngaite Nengboi, Lawrence Zou, Minlal Mate, Sio Jamthang Mate and Mt Jamkhohao.
The seizures by NAB also included 4.595kg of heroin, 28kg of World is Yours (WY) tablets and Rs 57.18 lakh and old currency notes worth Rs. 95,000, reported ANI. The arrested BJP leader is also the Chairman of an autonomous district council in Chandel district of Manipur. Jamkhohao in particular is the public relations officer of the council chairman.
One pistol, a rifle, two gun license books and eight bank passbooks were also recovered from their possession. Lutkhosei, a former Congress functionary, had later joined the BJP to form the council in Chandel.
Cops later discovered two suitcases allegedly packed with illegal contraband drugs from the BJP leader’s house.
User Vinay Kumar Dokania wrote, “A few days back A Goa bjp leader was arrested in the rape drug or #Ketamine haul case. And now another Bjp leader from Manipur caught with drugs worth 40 crore.” Another user Shanmukh wrote, “Results of Ram Madhav’s Look East Policy.” Former general secretary of the NSUI, Angellica Aribam wrote, “It’s being called as one of the largest drug apprehension that has ever occurred. BJP leaders are surely doing Manipur proud.”
The development comes little over a year after the BJP edged out the Congress to form its government in Manipur despite winning fewer assembly seats than its rival party. Social media users and the BJP’s rivals were quick to attack the saffron party.