Security forces and Manipur Police arrested nine persons in separate operations in Senapati and Churachandpur, seizing opium and brown sugar.
Imphal, June 7: Security forces and Manipur Police arrested six individuals in three separate anti-drug operations carried out in Senapati and Churachandpur districts, leading to the seizure of suspected opium and brown sugar worth a substantial amount in the illicit market.
In the latest operation on June 7, security forces intercepted a vehicle at the T. Khullen Naka Post under Senapati Police Station and arrested two persons identified as Man Bahadur Bhattarai (24) of Bajaghara village and Ajay Baniya (22) of Kharpani village, both residents of Irang Part-II in Kangpokpi district.
During the search, personnel recovered 28.190 kg of suspected opium. A Bolero pickup vehicle bearing registration number AS-05AC-9494, its key, a purse containing Rs. 5,000 in cash and other incriminating items were also seized.
In another operation conducted the same day at the Singhat Police Station check post in Churachandpur district, police arrested K. Pauchinsuan (57) of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka, presently residing at Mata Mualtam village, and Tuahmawi (42) of Mata Mualtam village.
Police said the duo was travelling in a Bolero vehicle bearing registration number MZ-01P-8655 when they were intercepted during routine checking. A search led to the recovery of 107 soap cases weighing 5.143 kg, including the weight of the packaging materials. Authorities estimated the consignment contained approximately 1.4 kg of suspected brown sugar. The vehicle and other incriminating items were seized.
Assam Rifles personnel also recovered narcotics valued at approximately Rs 3.6 crore and apprehended three individuals during an intelligence-based operation in Churachandpur district on Sunday.
According to security sources, troops of 5 Assam Rifles launched the operation in the general area of Hengkot village after receiving specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of contraband.
During the operation, security personnel intercepted a suspect vehicle and carried out a thorough search. The search led to the recovery of 184 soap cases containing suspected narcotic substances.
Three individuals were apprehended in connection with the seizure. However, the identities of the arrested persons had not been released by authorities at the time of filing this report.
Officials said the estimated value of the recovered contraband is around Rs 3.6 crore in the illegal drug market. The exact nature and quantity of the narcotics are expected to be determined following further examination by the concerned authorities.
The apprehended individuals, along with the seized contraband and vehicle, are expected to be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigation and legal action.
In a separate case registered on June 5, Manipur Police arrested Paominthang Haokip (44) of Haika village, Chandel district and Isla Uddin (37) of Kwakta Ward No. 8, Bishnupur district during a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) operation at Vajing village under Churachandpur Police Station.
According to police, 1.423 kg of suspected brown sugar was recovered from their possession during the operation.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb narcotics trafficking in the state. Legal proceedings have been initiated in all the cases, and further investigations are underway to trace the source, supply routes and intended recipients of the seized contraband.
