Imphal: A joint team of central security forces and the Manipur Police arrested four alleged drug smugglers, including one from Assam, during coordinated anti-drug operations on Monday.
The police said contraband worth approximately Rs 50 lakh, Rs 1.81 lakh in cash, a firearm, and a four-wheeler were recovered during the operations.
In the first operation, the Manipur Police arrested Md. Firoz Alam (34) of Thoubal Moijing Leingoijil. Authorities seized 530.66 grams of brown sugar, one 12-bore pump-action gun, eight empty shotgun shells, one cartridge belt, and Rs 1,81,280 in cash from his possession.
In the second operation, the police arrested Arun Dutta (50) of Dibrugarh, Assam, at the T. Khullen Naka check post under Senapati Police Station in Senapati district. Officers seized a Swift Dzire (registration number AS 06K1306) and eight soap cases containing 80 grams of suspected brown sugar.
During the third operation, security forces arrested Seikhogin Mate (43) from his residence in T. Khuangkhai village under Sangaikot subdivision in Churachandpur district. Approximately 13.230 kg of opium was recovered during the raid.
In a follow-up to an earlier FIR registered under the NDPS Act, in which 49.5 kg of opium had been seized, the Manipur Police arrested Jeevan Basnet (38) of Charhajare, Motbung, in Kangpokpi district.
The police said efforts are underway to trace the main accused and another supplier linked to the case.