Manipur: Two Arrested with Heroin in Thoubal
Two alleged drug peddlers — Md. Amir Khan (aka Abir Khan, 47) and Samim Banu Begum (39) — were arrested in a joint operation by the Manipur Police Special Cell and the Assam Rifles in Lilong Ushoipokpi Tharaorok Machin, Thoubal district. Authorities seized approximately 35 grams of high-grade heroin, along with two mobile phones and SIM cards; the suspects were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2023 and handed over to the concerned police station for further investigation.
The operation — who did what, where and when
According to the official local report, the Special Cell of Manipur Police, working in coordination with the Assam Rifles, carried out a joint operation on a Wednesday at Lilong Ushoipokpi Tharaorok Machin under Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district. The team detained two suspects — identified as Md. Amir Khan (Abir Khan) and Samim Banu Begum — and recovered roughly 35 grams of high-grade heroin from them. Officials also seized two mobile handsets and SIM cards, which are now standard leads for tracing communication and financial trails. The arrested persons and seized exhibits were handed over to the local police station for further legal processing.
Who are the accused — names, ages and the immediate charges
The two people arrested were named in the report as:
- Md. Amir Khan (Abir Khan) — 47 years old.
- Samim Banu Begum — 39 years old.
Both have been booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2023, which strengthens penalties, updates schedules, and narrows or broadens certain procedural aspects compared to the earlier framework. The use of the 2023 amended NDPS legislation is notable because it reflects the current legal regime under which all narcotics cases are now prosecuted. Investigators will likely seek to connect the defendants to sources, handlers and buyers through phone records, bank trails (if any), and local surveillance.
FAQs
Q1: How much heroin was seized in the Thoubal operation?
A1: Authorities recovered approximately 35 grams of high-grade heroin during the joint operation carried out at Lilong Ushoipokpi Tharaorok Machin in Thoubal district.
Q2: Which agencies conducted the arrest and where was the case registered?
A2: The arrest was made by the Special Cell of Manipur Police in coordination with the Assam Rifles; the accused and seized items were handed over to the concerned local police station (Lilong PS) for investigation and legal proceedings.
Q3: Under which law were the accused booked?
A3: They were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2023, which is the updated legal framework governing narcotics offences in India.
Q4: Does a 35-gram seizure mean the traffickers are small-time?
A4: Not necessarily. Small quantities can be last-mile shipments, retail packets, or high-purity consignments intended for premium markets. Importantly, even small seizures can expose communication links and lead investigators to larger suppliers. So, size alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Q5: What should the community expect next after such an arrest?
A5: Expect forensic analysis of the drugs and phones, further questioning of the arrested individuals, cross-verification of leads found in call logs, and possibly follow-up raids if larger networks are identified. Community members should also expect public advisories and perhaps increased patrolling in the short term. Transparency from law enforcement about progress helps build public trust.
