Manipur Police have seized around 600 grams of heroin and brown sugar and arrested seven people during a series of coordinated anti-drug operations carried out across different parts of the state. The actions were taken between January 19 and January 21, police officials said. According to police sources, the operations were conducted in Chandel, Kakching, Senapati and Churachandpur districts as part of an intensified drive against drug trafficking networks operating in the region. Officials said the investigation is still underway and more arrests may follow. The biggest seizure was made on Tuesday in Kakching district. Police intercepted two residents of Chandel district at Pallel Makha Leikai Pathabi along the Pallel IVR Road. The accused were identified as Veronica Moyon (28) of Thangkin village and Chihanring Shinglai (32) of Thotchanram village. During the search, police recovered 25 soap cases containing about 299 grams of heroin number 4 powder. A two-wheeler and two mobile phones were also seized from their possession.
In another operation on the same day, security personnel arrested Avio S of Katafimai village at the Tadubi police station checkpoint along National Highway 2 in Senapati district. Police recovered 20 soap cases of brown sugar from his white Bolero vehicle. A mobile phone and identification documents were also seized. Earlier, on January 19, two more suspects were detained at Mombi in Chandel district. They were identified as Letkhothang Haokip (30) and Robert Lunminthang Haokip (20). Police recovered 22 soap cases containing nearly 300 grams of brown sugar, along with Rs 2,800 in cash, two mobile phones with three SIM cards, two debit cards and a Kenbo motorbike. Apart from narcotics, police also acted against illegal tobacco trade. On January 20, Khomdram Bikramjit Singh (29) and Shagolshem Sanjoy Singh (33) were detained at Sekmaijing bridge in Kakching district. Officers seized 112 packets of Royal Chewing Tobacco and 98 packets of Dilbag Talap Pan Masala from their Tata vehicle.
Meanwhile, security forces, along with the forest department, the Narcotics and Affairs of Border, and an executive magistrate, destroyed around 15 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the G. Monglian hill range in Churachandpur district. Two huts found at the site were also burnt. Sangaikot Police have registered a case for further legal action.
