Imphal: A joint team of central and state security forces arrested four suspected smugglers, including two women, and recovered more than 60 kilograms of raw opium in separate operations across Manipur over the past 48 hours, officials said on Thursday.
In the first operation, the team apprehended Athikho Elokho (27), son of Athikho of Kaibi village under Tadubi police station in Senapati district. He was arrested during frisking and checking at Martyrs Park, around two kilometres south of Mao Police Station along NH-2.
The police seized five packets of suspected opium weighing 5.60 kg, including the packet covers, along with a Tata Tipper bearing registration number NL-07AA-5740 with keys, a mobile phone, Rs 5,200 in cash, and his Aadhaar and PAN cards from his possession.
Following the arrest, police detained Ng. Rone (40), daughter of Yaone from Tungam Khullen village in Senapati district, as part of the follow-up investigation. A case has been registered at Mao Police Station, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the network.
In a separate operation, security forces intercepted a bus at Tuileluon village under Sangaikot Police Station in Churachandpur district. Thangminlian Zou (30) of Teisaljang village was arrested, and approximately 57.7 kg of raw opium along with a mobile phone were recovered from his possession.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Melody Lambu (36) of Pallel Bazaar, currently residing at T. Khonomphai village in the Koite area of Churachandpur district.
Police said a case under the NDPS Act has been registered, and legal proceedings are underway.