Huge quantity of raw hemp destroyed in Garo Hills, Shillong

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A joint operation on Friday led to the destruction of approximately 400 kg of raw hemp besides the identification of 14 patches of land where hemp is being cultivated illegally in Kuligoan village under Mahendraganj police station of South West Garo Hills (SWGH) district of Meghalaya. All the cultivated hemp is meant for smuggling purpose and has exposed the nexus between ganja syndicates and some villagers, stated a release.

During the operation, three of the identified 14 patches were destroyed. Approximately 400 hemp plants (each of approximately 10 feet height) were found in the three patches of land owned by three persons namely Durga Hazong, son of Putik Hazong; Vishwajeet Hazong, son of late Sukumar Hazong; and Sujeet Hazong, son of Gopinath Hazong. All are residents of Kuligaon village.

On sustained efforts of Border Security Force (BSF), the joint operation was carried out under the Supervision of BD Sangma, Additional Magistrate SWGH in the village located about five km from the International Border in the alignment of Kalaichar BOP, the release added.

Among those who participated in the operation were Sub Inspector John S Sangma, four personnel of Kalaichar Meghalaya Police, two members of the SWGH DC Office and troops of the 26 battalion of BSF.

The remaining cultivated patches of hemp could not be destroyed on the first day of operation, but it has been marked and identified by the team. At about 5 pm, the Additional Magistrate called off the operation as it was getting dark. The Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills has informed that the remaining part of the operation could not be continued as it requires huge manpower for the destruction of such a huge cultivated land of hemp in the entire village and it would be continued after comprehensive planning by the DC Office. Besides more than 50 patches (weighing approx 100 quintals raw hemp) are yet to be destroyed, the release added.