Over 3.6 kg of suspected opium and heroin recovered in two anti-narcotics operations in Manipur. Five persons were arrested in Imphal East and one in Churachandpur. Police are investigating the supply network in both the cases.
Churachandpur: The action of security forces and police against drug trafficking is continuing in Manipur. Over 3.6 kg of suspected narcotics were recovered in two separate anti-narcotics operations conducted in Imphal East and Churachandpur districts on August 14. A total of six people have been arrested in these actions. Police shared information about both operations on Monday, August 17.
Five arrested with opium in Imphal East
The first action was taken in Khergao Awang Sabal Likai area of Imphal East district. According to the police, a joint team of the district police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted the operation based on intelligence information.
During the action the security team arrested five people. Those arrested have been identified as 36-year-old Ramesh Bhattarai, 34-year-old Tej Bahadur Bhandari, 33-year-old Raju Bhattarai, 24-year-old Abhishek Karki and 26-year-old Mahesh Rijal.
According to the police, about 1.015 kg of raw opium was recovered from the possession of the accused. Apart from this, a Hyundai Eon car, a TVS Jupiter scooter and four mobile phones have also been seized in the action.
Police are now trying to find out from where the recovered opium was brought and where it was to be transported further. The investigation is also expected to reveal the possible supply network and role of other people.
197 soap packets of heroin recovered in Churachandpur
The second major action was taken in Tuibong area of Churachandpur district. The police had received credible information about the presence of banned drugs in the area. After this, the joint team of Churachandpur Police Station, Mahila Police Station and 37 Assam Rifles started the operation.
Nemneihoi Tauthang, 26, was arrested during the operation. According to the police, she is a resident of Leekot village in Khamenlok of Kangpokpi district and was currently living in Tuibong area of Churachandpur.
Security forces recovered suspected heroin powder contained in 197 soap cases from his possession. Its total weight is said to be around 2.6 kg.
The method of hiding drugs in soap packets is considered to be one of the concealment strategies used in smuggling cases. The recovered material is likely to be sent for investigation and other aspects related to the case are likely to be investigated.
Big action in two districts in one day
The total weight of material recovered in both the operations is more than 3.6 kg. Raw opium was recovered in one case and suspected heroin in the other case. The police action comes at a time when security agencies are intensifying operations against drug trafficking and illegal supply networks in Northeast India.
Manipur's geographical location makes it vulnerable to potential drug trafficking routes. The state shares its international border with Myanmar, due to which security agencies have to keep a constant watch on illegal activities taking place across the border.
However, in the present cases, the exact origin and possible destination of the recovered drugs will become clear only after the investigation is completed.
Seizure of vehicles and mobile phones can provide direction to the investigation
In the Imphal East case, a car, a scooter and four mobile phones have been seized along with narcotics. Investigating agencies may consider these items important to connect the links of the case.
The mobile phones are likely to yield information related to the alleged contacts and activities of the accused, while the use of the seized vehicles can also be investigated. The investigating officers will try to find out whether these resources were used in the transportation or distribution of narcotics.
However, the police have not yet said whether the arrested people have links with any big organized drug network.
Woman arrested in Churachandpur case
A woman has been arrested in the action taken in Churachandpur. According to the police, Nemneihoi Tauthang was currently living in Tuibong. It has been claimed that about 2.6 kg of suspected heroin has been recovered from him.
The recovered material was found in 197 soap cases. After the recovery of such a large number of packets, the investigating agencies can investigate whether this consignment was part of a larger network.
At present, the police have not made public detailed information about any other accused or possible trafficking network related to the case.
Campaign against drugs continues
Anti-narcotics operations conducted by security forces and police in Manipur are aimed at curbing the supply and distribution of illegal drugs. The recovery of narcotics such as opium and heroin is taken seriously by security agencies, as their illicit trade may be linked to wider criminal networks.
The role of joint teams has also come to light in both the cases. In Imphal East, the district police and CRPF jointly responded, while in Churachandpur, 37 Assam Rifles joined with local police units.
Joint operations can help in sharing intelligence and improving ground level operations.
Eye fixed on further investigation
Police said that further investigation is going on in both the cases. During investigation, information can be gathered about the source of drugs, potential buyers, supply chain and other suspicious people by interrogating the arrested accused.
After forensic investigation of the recovered drugs, their nature and actual quantity will also be confirmed. At present the police have described them as suspected opium and heroin.
The operations in Imphal East and Churachandpur indicate that security agencies in Manipur are carrying out operations against drug trafficking based on locally received intelligence. In the coming days, the investigation is expected to reveal more information about the possible networks and smuggling routes related to these cases.