Imphal: Senapati Police have seized a large consignment of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) during a midnight operation targeting the alleged illegal transportation of alcohol near the Manipur-Nagaland border, officials said on Saturday.
The operation was carried out on Friday by a team from Senapati Police Station near the Senapati Drop Gate along National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur. Police acted on intelligence inputs about the illegal movement of liquor through the area.
During the operation, the police team searched the temporary residence of Rokhu, 38, a resident of Phaibung Khullen village who is currently staying at Kathikho Karong village. The search led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of liquor allegedly stored and transported without the required documentation.
The seized consignment included 23 cases of Kingfisher Beer in bottles and cans, seven cases of Old Monk, five cases of McDowell’s, three cases of Iconiq White, and one case each of Tuborg Beer and Breezer.
According to police, the liquor was being transported without the necessary documentation, in violation of applicable regulations. After completing the required legal formalities, police registered a case and handed over the seized liquor to the Senapati Excise Department for further legal proceedings.
Police officials said the operation was part of an intensified drive to curb illicit trade and strengthen enforcement across the district.
The seizure comes amid changes to Manipur’s liquor policy following amendments to the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991, which ended the state’s decades-long blanket prohibition on alcohol.
However, the sale and consumption of liquor remain restricted to designated areas, including Greater Imphal, specified district headquarters, approved tourist destinations, security force establishments and registered hotels with at least 20 rooms. The transportation and distribution of liquor outside permitted areas remain subject to applicable legal restrictions.