Imphal: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Manipur Police on Thursday busted a drug trafficking network in Churachandpur district, arresting three people, including two women, and seizing 186 soap cases of suspected brown sugar, a heroin derivative, along with Rs 31.43 lakh in suspected drug proceeds.
According to reports, the coordinated, intelligence-led raids were carried out as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug syndicates operating in the region. Acting on specific inputs, a police team led by SDPO Jay Barange, IPS, along with Executive Magistrate Satkhogin Kilong, first searched a house in Zion Veng, New Lamka, where they recovered 186 soap cases of the suspected narcotic.
The main accused, identified as 48-year-old Zamngaihlian Tombing, was detained during the initial raid. During interrogation, she allegedly led investigators to her supplier, 43-year-old Niangngaihching of Pangzawl.
Following this lead, police raided the supplier’s residence and recovered Rs 31,43,500 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from the drug trade, along with a cash-counting machine.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another associate, 36-year-old Manglunsang Tawtak. A subsequent raid on his premises resulted in his arrest and the seizure of a white Bolero vehicle (MN06LX5142) along with other incriminating materials.
All three accused, along with the seized drugs, cash, and assets, have been taken into custody at Churachandpur Police Station. Police said the investigation is continuing to trace further links in the network.