India police charge Amazon execs in alleged marijuana smuggling case

 

INDIA, LUCKNOW Reuters, Nov. 20 - In a case of alleged marijuana smuggling via Amazon.com (AMZN.O), Indian police announced on Saturday that they had accused key executives of the internet retailer's local operation under narcotics laws.

On Nov. 14, police in central Madhya Pradesh caught two men with 20 kg of marijuana and discovered they were ordering and smuggling the drug under the guise of stevia leaves, a natural sweetener, to other Indian states through the Amazon India website.

INDIA, LUCKNOW Reuters, Nov. 20 - In a case of alleged marijuana smuggling via Amazon.com (AMZN.O), Indian police announced on Saturday that they had accused key executives of the internet retailer's local operation under narcotics laws.

On Nov. 14, police in central Madhya Pradesh caught two men with 20 kg of marijuana and discovered they were ordering and smuggling the drug under the guise of stevia leaves, a natural sweetener, to other Indian states through the Amazon India website.

Due to inconsistencies in answers in documents provided, state police listed executive executives of Amazon India as accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, according to a statement. by way of debate

The number of executives charged was not disclosed by the police.

The authorities, who had previously summoned and met with Amazon executives in the case, estimate that about 1,000 kg of marijuana worth $148,000 was sold through Amazon.

Amazon said in a statement that it does not allow the listing or sale of products that are illegal, and that it takes strong action against sellers who do so.

The alleged marijuana smuggling was "noticed to us, and we are actively investigating it," Amazon stated.

In recent years, Indian authorities have stepped up their efforts to combat illegal substances. Since last year, narcotics investigators have been investigating a number of high-profile Indian actors and television personalities.