Siliguri, Jan 06: Siliguri Metropolitan Police has intensified its crackdown on illegal trade of Chinese garlic. Acting on a tip-off, the Detective Department (DD) of Siliguri Metropolitan Police on Sunday seized 7 quintals of Chinese garlic from a small cargo vehicle in Chandmuni area. The driver, Rajiv Ranjan (36), has been arrested in connection with the case.
The arrested driver Ranjan is a resident of Bihar and currently lives in Khai Khai Bazar, Ward No. 40 under Bhakti Nagar Police Station in Siliguri. The seized garlic is worth around ₹2 lakh.
Reports suggest that the demand for Chinese garlic has increased in Siliguri recently, prompting some businessmen to engage in its illegal trade to earn more profits at a lower cost. The garlic is reportedly transported to the regulated market in Siliguri via Nepal and then distributed to other markets and households.
Chinese garlic has been found to be potentially harmful to health. Trade association members of the regulated market have earlier also raised concerns over its trade and demanded action. In the last three-four days, Pradhan Nagar police station and DD team have recovered more than 15 quintals of Chinese garlic and arrested two people.
Police have confirmed that the campaign against unauthorized Chinese garlic trade will continue. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
