Security agencies seized heroin, brown sugar and WY tablets in separate operations across Manipur, underscoring evolving drug trafficking routes.
Imphal, June 4: Security agencies across Manipur have made a series of major drug seizures in recent days, including the interception of over 4 kg of heroin at Imphal International Airport and the recovery of four lakh WY tablets in Jiribam district, highlighting the continuing challenge posed by narcotics trafficking in the state.
In the latest operation, two individuals were arrested at Imphal International Airport on Thursday while allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately 4.10 kg of heroin on an IndiGo flight bound for Kolkata.
According to police sources, Kh. Sabir Ahamed (24) and Syed Sabir Ali (26), both residents of Kiyamgei Oinam Loukon in Imphal East district, were intercepted at around 11:20 am while preparing to board Flight 6E-68707 scheduled to depart for Kolkata at noon. The contraband was detected during screening of their hand baggage at a CISF X-ray checkpoint and subsequently seized.
The latest interception adds to a growing pattern of narcotics trafficking through Tulihal International Airport. Security agencies have recorded at least three major airport-based drug seizures within a span of roughly two months, indicating what analysts describe as an emerging trafficking corridor.
On February 27, CISF personnel intercepted an individual from Madhya Pradesh attempting to transport 4.8 kg of heroin powder through the airport. Subsequently, on April 14, a joint team of CISF, Assam Rifles and Airport Police arrested a suspected drug peddler and seized approximately 6.74 kg of suspected brown sugar concealed inside six containers in checked-in baggage.
Another airport seizure on April 27 involved two passengers allegedly attempting to transport 84 grams of heroin on a Bengaluru-bound flight. Investigators believe these repeated incidents suggest traffickers may be increasingly relying on air routes as enforcement and vehicle checks along highways become more stringent.
Meanwhile, in another significant operation on Thursday, a combined team of Manipur Police, CRPF, Assam Rifles and other security agencies seized 4,00,000 WY tablets weighing approximately 46.37 kg from a truck along National Highway-37 in Jiribam district.
The seizure was made near Leingangpokpi village during a joint operation led by Jiribam Police. The truck, bearing registration number AS-17C-6434, was reportedly driven by Pankaj Kumar Ray (30) of Muzaffarpur district in Bihar. Police arrested the driver and registered a case under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
In separate operations earlier this week, security forces continued their crackdown on narcotics networks in other parts of the state.
On June 2, Manipur Police arrested MM Warish (33) of Lilong Nungei in Thoubal district during a frisking and checking operation. Authorities seized 18 strips of suspected SP capsules weighing about 115 grams along with a two-wheeler.
A day earlier, on June 1, security forces arrested two individuals near CMC Hospital at Koirengei in Imphal East district. The arrested persons were identified as Purna Bahadur Karke (40), a Village Defence Force personnel posted in Kangpokpi district, and Lovingson (37). From their possession, authorities recovered 1.425 kg of suspected brown sugar and a Honda Activa scooter.
The series of seizures reflects the continued efforts of security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating through Manipur, which remains a key transit point for narcotics moving towards other parts of India.
