Written by: Bit Irom
Imphal: Central security forces, in cooperation with the state police, arrested 14 individuals for selling prohibited drugs, transporting fuel in plastic bottles, and violating curfew restrictions during multiple operations across Manipur, police reported on Sunday.
In the first operation, Md. Warish (21) from Hatta Golapati was arrested near the Public Hospital in his locality. Officials said 151 bottles of “CODIVA” cough syrup (100 ml each, containing Codeine Phosphate), commonly used as a drug substitute, were seized from him.
In a second operation, joint forces intercepted seven vehicles and seized 48 plastic containers carrying suspected petroleum products that were being transported towards Moreh, the last Indian border town in Tengnoupal district.
Authorities have banned the sale of petrol and diesel in loose containers, including jerrycans and plastic bottles, under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to curb hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying.
The seized vehicles and their drivers were identified as follows: an Eeco van (WB06J-4685) driven by Kh. Angking (38) from New Lamkang Khunthak, Chandel; and an Eeco van (SK01T-6770) driven by John Shilshi (39) from the same locality.
Another Eeco van (WB908-7729) was driven by Lenmang Haokip (26) from Senam village, Tengnoupal, while a Yodha (MN09B-0071) was driven by Marcus Chothe (28) from Khongkhang village.
An Eeco van (WB06K-3089) was driven by Jamkhogin Haokip (31) from Saivom village, and a Bolero pick-up (MN01AA-5411) was driven by Mojim Makunga (45) from Koijam village. An Eeco van (MN06LA-7568) was driven by Mangvung Jamminthang Haokip.
Meanwhile, a night curfew remains in force in the Imphal area. During this period, police arrested six individuals allegedly involved in violence and disruption of public peace in the greater Imphal area.
Those arrested were identified as Yumnam Somnath alias Nongsaba (21) from Lamsang Laingam Khul, Imphal West; Ningthoujam Prem Singh (25) from Heikrujam Mamang Leikai under Nambol police station; Sorokhaibam Rustom (25) from Sugnu Chairel Awang Leikai, currently residing at Bamon Leikai; Ngairangbam Yaikhomba (25) from Nongpok Sanjenbam Khullen; Wangkhem Ingo Meitei (30) from Sabungkhok Khunou; and Moirangthem Naoba Meitei (24) from Sabungkhok.