Imphal: The Manipur police, in an operation aimed at curbing illegal liquor sales across the state, arrested two alleged smugglers and seized 1,008 beer cans worth around Rs 1.5 lakh, imported without payment of Excise duty, on Friday, officials reported on Saturday.
Acting on tips from multiple sources, the police intercepted a vehicle traveling from Kakching Bazaar to Imphal at the Sora Chingwangba area under Kakching Police Station, Kakching district.
During the operation, two individuals, Nongthombam Kishan Singh (25) and Bimol Singh Nongthombam (30), residents of Luwangsangbam Makha Leikai, Imphal East district, who were transporting liquor, were detained.
The seized items included 1,008 beer cans and a Maruti Gypsy.
Following the seizure, the arrestees and the vehicle were detained for evading Excise duty.
Officials further stated that the seized items and the individuals have been handed over to the state Excise Department in accordance with the law.
The state Excise officials added that there will be no auction or resale of the confiscated liquor, and all the cans will be destroyed after legal proceedings are completed in court.
An FIR has been lodged at Kakching Police Station under provisions of the Excise Act for further legal action.