Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Manipur Police, in association with central security personnel, have arrested five inter-district drug smugglers, including two women, and recovered around 220 soap cases containing brown sugar, two vehicles, and Rs 30,300 in cash during a targeted anti-narcotics operation.
The arrests and seizures were carried out in a series of operations conducted at vulnerable locations across different districts over the past 36 hours, officials said on Saturday.
As part of the first phase of the operation, security forces intercepted a four-wheeler at the T. Khullen Naka Check Point under Senapati Police Station in Senapati district.
During questioning, the driver of the vehicle was identified as K. Dovile (42), son of A. Kapane of Laii village in Manipur’s Senapati district.
A search of the vehicle in the presence of an Executive Magistrate led to the recovery of 99 soap cases of brown sugar hidden in the radiator of the Bolero.
He stated that the drugs and the vehicle belonged to Nemneilhing Haokip of Saikul Bazaar, Touthang Veng, Kangpokpi district.
Acting on his disclosure, Nemneilhing Haokip and her husband, Henkhomang Haokip, who arrived in a Swift car (Regn. No. AS04E-3344), were intercepted at T. Khullen while allegedly coming to exchange the vehicle. All three were arrested on the spot.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of another accused, Chinkhokim (53), daughter of Thangkhomang Haokip of S. Molcham village, presently residing at Kipmunnom village in Churachandpur district.
The arrested persons are K. Dovile (42), Nemneilhing Haokip (42), Henkhomang Haokip (47), and Chinkhokim (53).
Recovered items include 99 soap cases of suspected brown sugar (weighing 1.140 kg), two vehicles, a white Bolero bearing Regn. No. NL07C-5762 and a silver Swift bearing Regn. No. AS04E-3344, along with keys, four mobile phones, and Rs 30,300 in cash.
In a follow-up operation, police arrested Nehkholun Hangshing (45) of K. Sharonphai village in Churachandpur district, along with 118 soap cases of suspected brown sugar weighing 1.360 kg from the vicinity of Hiltown under Churachandpur Police Station.
Police said the arrested persons and seized items were handed over to the concerned police stations, and a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2023 for further investigation.