Visakhapatnam: Intoxicating chocolates in 'Ayurveda' wrappers

Visakhapatnam: Narcotic smugglers adopt new modus operandi to lure youngsters. In the recent raids, the cops seized gutka, zarda, pan masala and other banned material while raiding at different places in Allipuram.

Along with gutka packets, the police were shocked to see a large quantity of 'bhang' chocolates all stored in a container under the guise of 'Ayurveda products'.

According to the police, the intoxicating chocolates were supplied from Kolkata, Odisha and other States via Visakhapatnam.

Based on reliable information, the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) and II Town police jointly conducted a raid and seized 60 kg of ganja in five bags near Allipuram along with bhang chocolates and gutka packets.

Smugglers are transporting gutka, zarda and bhang chocolates in the garb of Ayurveda products.

However, bhang chocolates were being supplied in medicine boxes with a different brand name. The samples collected were sent to lab for scientific examination. The banned products thus seized were handed over to the food safety authorities.

The amount of intoxicant present in the bhang chocolate, whether it is harmful to consume or not and the presence of other ingredients in the chocolate are based on the report that arrives from the lab.

Commissioner of Police Manish Kumar Sinha said of the five involved, three, including a minor, were taken into custody on the charge of illegal possession of ganja and other banned products.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Police, SEB Ajitha Vejendla said the team seized the banned material and non-receipt products sold worth of Rs. 1.15 lakh and handed them over to food safety officials.