Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Security forces have dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks in Manipur, arresting six alleged smugglers and seizing narcotics worth nearly Rs 5 crore during a series of coordinated operations carried out over the past 36 hours.
The joint operations, conducted by personnel of the Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and Manipur Police, resulted in the recovery of 28.19 kg of opium and 2.8 kg of brown sugar from different locations across the state.
In Churachandpur district, a joint team intercepted a Bolero vehicle at the Singhat police check post and recovered 107 soap cases containing about 1.4 kg of brown sugar. Two individuals, identified as K. Pauchinsuan (57) from Gouchinkhup Veng and Tuahmawi (42) of Mata Mualtam village, were taken into custody.
The seizure follows another successful operation in Vajing village of Churachandpur, where authorities arrested Paominthang Haokip (44) and Isla Uddin (37) and recovered 1.423 kg of brown sugar.
In a separate crackdown in Senapati district, security personnel stopped a Bolero pick-up truck at the T Khullen security checkpoint. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 28.190 kg of opium along with Rs 5,000 in cash. Two residents of Kangpokpi district, Man Bahadur Bhattarai (24) and Ajay Baniya (22), were arrested in connection with the case.
All six accused, along with the seized narcotics and vehicles, have been handed over to the respective police stations for legal action and further investigation. Officials said the operations reflect the continued efforts of security agencies to curb drug trafficking and dismantle narcotics networks operating in the region.