Manipur: Alleged Drug Trafficker Held, Brown Sugar Worth ₹5 Crore Seized in Multiple Anti-Narcotics Operations
Imphal, July 12: Manipur Police, working in coordination with Haryana Police, arrested an alleged interstate drug trafficker in Churachandpur and recovered ₹29.42 lakh suspected to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking. In separate anti-drug operations across the state, security forces also seized over 5.148 kg of suspected brown sugar valued at approximately ₹5 crore and arrested three individuals for allegedly possessing heroin.
According to police, the joint operation was carried out based on intelligence regarding an interstate hawala network believed to be connected to drug trafficking. Acting on the inputs, a team from Churachandpur District Police apprehended Dipu Gupta, a resident of Haryana, from a hideout in the district headquarters.
During the operation, officers recovered ₹29,42,400 in cash, which investigators suspect to be proceeds from illegal narcotics activities. The accused and the seized cash were subsequently handed over to Haryana Police in connection with a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Haryana in 2023.
In another operation, Bishnupur Commandos intercepted a vehicle near the Kwakta Sericulture Centre after receiving intelligence that narcotics were being transported from Churachandpur to Lilong.
The driver, identified as Md Amzad Khan (47) of Lilong Chingjao, was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 10 packets containing approximately 5.148 kg of suspected brown sugar, concealed inside the vehicle’s left rear door. Police also seized ₹83,770 in cash from his possession. A case has been registered at Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station under the NDPS Act.
In a separate anti-narcotics operation, security personnel intercepted an autorickshaw (Registration No. MN-01AM-1026) at Gelmol Lamkhai under the jurisdiction of Moirang Police Station.
Three individuals—Ebem (39) of Lilong, Hussain (20) of Imphal West, and Md Nasimulla (40) of Thoubal—were arrested during the operation. Officials recovered around 68 grams of suspected heroin from their possession.
Police stated that the coordinated operations highlight the sustained efforts of state and central security agencies to dismantle interstate drug trafficking syndicates and hawala networks operating in Manipur and neighbouring states. Investigations into the cases are continuing.
