Imphal: A joint team of police personnel from Lamphel and Imphal police stations arrested five people, including a woman, and seized 21.46 kilograms of suspected ganja during a raid in Sagolband Pukhrambam Leirak in Imphal West district on Saturday.
The operation was conducted based on intelligence inputs regarding the alleged concealment of illicit drugs at the premises. Police personnel, including Women Police Constables, obtained a search warrant and carried out the search in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
During the operation, officers recovered 18 packets of suspected ganja concealed inside a luggage bag. The seized substance was subsequently weighed and found to be approximately 21.46 kg.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gaigonliu Abonmei, 37, daughter of late Pongam Abonmei of Khoupiluang Ward No. V in Tamenglong district; Asma Gonmei alias Jangmei, 39, of Nagaching in Tamenglong district; Sonik Ningthoujam, 31, son of N. Debabata Singh of Kairang Maning Leikai in Imphal East district; Naorem Dashobanta Singh, 50, son of late N. Achou of Sega Road, Thouda Bhavok Leikai in Imphal West district; and AS Somichan, 31, son of AS Yaruingam of Kaihao Tangkhul village in Senapati district.
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of law and initiated further investigation.
The investigation is expected to focus on tracing the source and intended destination of the suspected contraband, as well as identifying other individuals who may be linked to the alleged drug network.