DIMAPUR: Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) carried out the public destruction of illicit tobacco products on June 12 at the Lizu Naghuto dumpsite, Zunheboto Sadar, following a public notice issued on June 11.
According to ZRSU president, Kitolu S. Kibami, and general secretary, Tonoka V. Zhimomi, the seized items included 19 packages of tobacco products smuggled by Sujit Kumar and Samuel, and four package boxes belonging to Ajmat Karim, proprietor of Ms. General Shop. The products, intercepted while blended with grocery items, were incinerated in the presence of GB’s Association and Sumi Totimi Loka, Zunheboto Town.
The union reiterated its advocacy of “No Allowance of Seized Products into the Market” to prevent illegal goods from re entering legitimate trade and funding further illicit activities. It warned that the increasing accessibility of tobacco posed a grave threat to public health and youth, and urged the District Administration to strictly enforce tobacco laws.
ZRSU stressed that enforcement is an investment in a healthier, nicotine free future, reducing preventable diseases and ensuring cleaner air.
Meanwhile, ZRSU has issued a public notice following the interception of bulk tobacco products on June 9 at New Colony and Project Colony, Zunheboto Town. The seizure was made in line with a government notification dated June 2, 2026, prohibiting the sale, storage, transportation, distribution, manufacturing and processing of tobacco products.
Highlighting the harmful effects of nicotine, ZRSU described it as a highly addictive substance that damages nearly every organ system, shortens lifespan by about 10 years, alters brain structure, and causes long term health issues including respiratory problems. The union also pointed to the economic impact of illegal tobacco trade, citing tax evasion and smuggling.
Resolving to dispose of the seized products, ZRSU said the move was aimed at preventing illegal goods from competing with legitimate businesses and ensuring that proceeds of crime do not re enter the market. It appealed to civil society organisations to support the disposal of the seized items on June 12, stressing that such action would help bankrupt criminal networks and safeguard public health.
