Published by Aloto Naga | July 1, 2025
Zunheboto, Nagaland — June 30 2025: In a significant pre-dawn operation on June 29, the Special Operations Team (SOT) and police personnel in Zunheboto district intercepted a white Bolero SUV bearing a Nagaland Police sticker, uncovering a large cache of suspected narcotics, illegal liquor, cash, and a firearm. The operation took place around 3:00 AM along the Zunheboto–Chakabama stretch of National Highway 702A, marking one of the most substantial seizures in the region this year.
The vehicle, a Scorpio Bolero (registration NL 01P 0868), was intercepted based on suspected illegal activity. Upon search, law enforcement recovered the following:
- An unlicensed .22mm rifle with ammunition, concealed in a leather holster
- 11,403 capsules of Sampex (believed to be a controlled substance, possibly SP), packaged in 80 boxes
- 60 bottles of McDowell’s Rum
- 12 cans of Kingfisher beer
- A digital weighing scale
- ₹1,75,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from illicit trade
- Multiple bags and suitcases used to transport the contraband
Preliminary investigations suggest that the vehicle was deliberately disguised using a fake police sticker, a method increasingly adopted by traffickers to avoid scrutiny at checkpoints. The operation was executed with precision during a low-patrol window, indicating the possibility of surveillance or tip-off–based intervention.
Following the seizure, two individuals were reportedly apprehended at the scene and are currently in police custody. Their identities are under verification, and further interrogations are expected to reveal additional links to larger trafficking networks.
In connection with the arrests, the NSCN (K-Kitovi) group has released a public statement denying any association with one of the accused, Dy. Kilonser Zhetovi, who was reportedly apprehended alongside his son. The organization clarified that the individual is not an active member of the group and condemned any attempts to misuse its name.
The statement further stressed the group’s firm opposition to drug trafficking, warning that if the accused falsely continues to claim affiliation, internal action will be taken, including issuing a non-bailable warrant. The group stated it does not condone drug abuse and demanded that law enforcement pursue legal proceedings without interference.
All seized items have been handed over to the Zunheboto Police Station, and the case has been taken up for formal investigation. Charges under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Arms Act, and Excise laws are expected to follow.
The bust has drawn attention from civil society and enforcement agencies alike, both for the volume of substances seized and the sophistication of the attempted deception, including impersonation of official police identity.
Further updates are awaited as authorities continue with legal procedures, forensic testing, and background verification of those involved.
