Imphal: Police and security forces, with support from the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), carried out a series of anti-liquor operations across Manipur on August 5, leading to the seizure of 519 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), large quantities of locally brewed liquor, and the detention of several individuals.
The biggest operation took place at Imphal International Airport, where police, acting on a tip-off from DESAM, intercepted 519 bottles of IMFL that had arrived on an IndiGo flight from Delhi. The liquor was allegedly transported in 90 pieces of luggage.
Following the operation, police detained 15 people, including six men and nine women, in connection with the seizure. The recovered liquor and the suspects were handed over to Singjamei Police Station for further legal action.
According to police, the seized consignment included premium liquor brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Jameson Whiskey, Johnnie Walker, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, Glenmorangie, Black Label, Absolut Vodka, Smirnoff, Jacob’s Creek Wine, and several others.
In a separate operation, police arrested Leimapokpam Olin Meitei (34) of Thongjao Mamang Leikai from the Aihang area under Waikhong Police Station in Kakching district. Officers seized 290 litres of locally brewed DIC liquor and a Maruti Alto (MN03P-5884) during the raid.
Another anti-liquor drive conducted at Patsoi Lamkhai and Khumbong Bazar under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West resulted in the seizure of 310 litres of DIC liquor.
Security forces also confiscated 98 litres of DIC liquor during an operation in the Nambol area under Nambol Police Station in Bishnupur district.
In yet another operation at Kakching Lamkhai, police recovered 429 litres of DIC liquor concealed in 40 plastic packages inside a Maruti Swift (MN-06L-7989).
Two persons-Hijam Yohenba Singh (25) and Ningthoujam Joykumar Singh (44), both residents of Andro Kharam Leikai in Imphal East district were arrested in connection with the case.
Police said the coordinated operations form part of the state’s ongoing drive to curb the illegal transportation, sale and distribution of liquor. Further investigation into the cases is underway.