11 shops in Dimapur penalised under COTPA

Dimapur, June 10 (EMN):  Anti-tobacco checking headed by Jonny Patton, DSP probationer in charge of Sub-Urban Police Station in Dimapur carried out near the schools in Signal and Thahekhu area on June 5. During checking, 11 shops were penalized for violation of Section 6 (B) under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, a press release received from district nodal officer of NTCP, Dimapur, Dr. Tetseo informed. While appreciating Patton for the initiative, Dr. Tetseo said that an officer like him can bring changes in compliance with COTPA 2003, Juvenile Justice (Child Care and Protection) Act and Legal Metrology Act. He also stated that the need of the hour is to make law enforcing agencies more proactive towards tobacco control laws, adding this will bring down tobacco related health burden on the society. The district nodal officer appealed village councils to check sale of tobacco products near educational institutions under their jurisdiction. “The scenario of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in the state is already alarming and we cannot afford to let this trend continue,” he added.