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What's the story?
Mizoram's teenage Table Tennis sensation Lalrin Puia Lalchhuankima was caught at the International terminal of the Mumbai airport with 3.9kg of Methaqualone, a banned psychotropic substance. Police claim that the total substance collected from the youngster amounted to approximately Rs 60 lakh.
In case you didn't know
Hailing from Aizawl in Mizoram, the local TT superstar claimed the Youth Boys title in the junior and senior category at the 2015 Table Tennis Championships that were held in the picturesque city of Dharamshala and has brought many laurels back to his home state. He had defeated Manav Thakkar in the final of the tournament.
Currently pursuing his studies in Delhi, Puia is a popular figure back well known for his achievements in Table Tennis and has also served as a role model for many youngsters who aspire to achieve something big in Table Tennis.
Heart of the Matter
Puia, all of 19 years of age, claimed his first individual title when he clinched the Youth Boys Title at the 77th Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships at the Indoor Stadium in Dharamshala.
The youngster was caught in possession of drugs which was seen as an offence according to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, that prohibits the manufacturing, possession and transportation of Methaqualone.
According to reports, the National Crime Bureau (NCB) was asked to keep a watch on Puia's movements and when he was sighted at the airport, he was enveloped by the officials. Upon inspection, the drug was found concealed under the bottom of the trolley bag and when questioned about the drug's presence in his possession, the 19-year old did not have any answers.
It has also come to light that Puia might have been travelling to get back to Delhi where he stays at the Anshul Garg Academy.
What's next?
The teenager was interrogated by the police and has been arrested. He is set to remain in police custody until 28th of December 2017.
Author's Take
While it is uncertain as to how the drug came in his possession in the first place, it could be a major blow to Puia's career as a Table Tennis player, especially as he is a revered figure the Mizoram table tennis community.
