In a significant blow to the illicit liquor trade in Manipur, state police forces intercepted a major smuggling attempt in the Lamsang Bazar area on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 250 litres of Distilled Indigenous Country (DIC) liquor and the arrest of one individual suspected of illegal transportation.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of contraband, a team from the Lamsang Police Station conducted a targeted operation on May 13. During the exercise, officers intercepted a vehicle—specifically an Eco Van bearing registration number WB 22U4023—which was found to be transporting the substantial cache of spirits.
The apprehended individual has been identified by authorities as 30-year-old Mutum Inao Singh, a resident of Tronglaobi Awang Leikai. Singh was taken into custody on the spot after he failed to provide legal documentation or permits for the large quantity of DIC liquor found within the vehicle. Both the illicit substance and the van used for its transit were confiscated as part of the official proceedings.
A spokesperson for the Manipur Police confirmed that the crackdown is part of an intensified state-wide effort to curb the sale and distribution of illegal alcohol. Following the arrest, the suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Kangchup Excise Department. This transfer ensures that the case is handled under the appropriate regulatory framework for further legal action and a more comprehensive investigation into the source of the liquor.
This latest seizure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in enforcing prohibition and monitoring the flow of illicit goods across district lines. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and health by strictly targeting bootlegging networks operating within the Imphal West region. Further investigations are currently underway to determine if the suspect is linked to a larger distribution syndicate.
