Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have seized narcotics worth over Rs. 18 crore, arrested a militant, and recovered arms and ammunition during a series of operations conducted over the past 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.
A joint team of Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) intercepted a vehicle at Tupul Bridge on the Churachandpur–Kangpokpi route and recovered 2.193 kg of suspected heroin or brown sugar concealed in 196 soap cases.
The estimated value of the seized contraband is Rs. 18 crore. Two individuals—Ginminlen Haokip (24) from Kangpokpi and Holminlen Khongsal (30) from Chandel—were taken into custody. Notably, Chandel district shares a porous border with Myanmar.
In a separate operation at Mao check post in Senapati district, security personnel apprehended two individuals carrying 22 kg of dry cannabis valued at approximately Rs. 2.18 lakh.
The accused have been identified as Ajmir Sarif (19) and Iliyas Ali Shah, both residents of Thoubal district.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested a militant affiliated with the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) from the Lamphel Super Market area in Imphal West.
The individual, Shyamchand Singh (38), was allegedly involved in extortion in Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.
Police also conducted a raid at the residence of a known vehicle lifter, Mohammad Hefajuddin Boboy (27), in Santhel Awang Leikal, Imphal West.
Although the suspect evaded arrest, authorities recovered a stolen Honda Activa 6G scooter, reported missing from Thongju in Imphal East on July 5. Efforts to track down Hefajuddin are ongoing.
In separate operations in Bishnupur and Kangpokpi districts, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including one AK-56 rifle, one .303 rifle, a .303 light machine gun, a double-barrel shotgun, and two single-barrel guns.
Security operations and area domination exercises continue in fringe and sensitive areas across Manipur.
The police have urged the public not to fall for misinformation and fake videos circulating on social media.
A statement cautioned that sharing unverified content could lead to legal consequences.
Authorities have also appealed for the return of looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to the nearest police station or security post.
