Manipur: Four Arrested with Heroin Worth Crores in Kangpokpi; Nearly Rs 1 Crore Cash Seized
Summary
On July 24, 2025, security forces in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, executed a precision operation in T. Khullen village, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin—reportedly worth several crores—as well as unaccounted cash totaling ₹99,09,850, seven mobile phones, and two vehicles (a DI and a Hyundai Creta). The accused—identified as S. Poubinah Teinamei (31), PF Adaphro (34), S. Boibina (29), all residents of T. Khullen, and Lungdinibou Thiumei (52) from Tamenglong district—are now under investigation as authorities work to dismantle the larger narcotics network operating in the region
Full-Length Article
1. Setting the Scene: Kangpokpi’s Growing Battle Against Drugs
Nestled amidst the undulating hills of Manipur, Kangpokpi district has long been a crossroads for communities and commerce. But in recent years, this serene landscape has also grappled with a darker undercurrent: the trafficking of synthetic and natural narcotics. Just as a calm river can conceal swift currents beneath, the verdant valleys of Kangpokpi have harbored illicit networks moving contraband under the cloak of rural normalcy. So, what triggered this latest crackdown, and why now?
2. Behind the Headlines: Why This Bust Matters
At first glance, “3.5 kilograms of heroin” might sound like an alarming statistic—but what does it really signify on the streets? In India’s northeastern states, where terrain and proximity to international borders create logistical challenges for law enforcement, even a single kilogram of high-purity heroin can fuel addiction and crime for months. Multiply that by three and a half, and you’re staring at enough substance to devastate countless lives and bankroll an entire syndicate. This makes every successful bust not just a win for police, but a crucial reprieve for vulnerable communities.
3. The Anatomy of the Operation
3.1 Target Identification
Intelligence gathered over several weeks pointed investigators toward T. Khullen village—a seemingly quiet hamlet that, unbeknownst to outsiders, had become a hub for narcotics storage and transit. Authorities from Kangpokpi Police Station, in coordination with Manipur’s state-level narcotics wing, laid the groundwork using surveillance, informant reports, and careful mapping of local routes.
3.2 Execution on July 24
Under the cover of early dawn on July 24, 2025, teams moved in simultaneously on multiple coordinates within T. Khullen. The element of surprise was paramount. Local police, equipped with warrants and supported by rapid-response units, intercepted a convoy transporting packaged consignments. The targeted dwellings and vehicles were swiftly secured, leaving the suspects little time to destroy evidence. By daybreak, four individuals were in custody, and the operation’s trove was in police hands
4. Meet the Accused
- S. Poubinah Teinamei (31): A resident of T. Khullen, Teinamei came under suspicion for frequent, unexplained travels to neighboring districts.
- PF Adaphro (34): Known locally as a small-time trader, Adaphro’s business activities masked the real commodity he helped traffic.
- S. Boibina (29): Another T. Khullen native, Boibina’s connections spanned both local transporters and out-of-state contacts.
- Lungdinibou Thiumei (52): Hailing from Khundong Khunkhaiba in Tamenglong district, Thiumei served as the group’s logistical coordinator, arranging safe passage and drop-off points
Each has been remanded for further interrogation as investigators seek to unravel the hierarchy and scope of the network.
5. Dissecting the Seizure: Heroin, Cash, and Contraband
5.1 The Narcotics: 273 Soap Cases, 3.5 Kg of Heroin
In a detail that reads like a detective novel twist, authorities recovered 273 soap cases—custom-modified to conceal heroin packets. Collectively, these contained around 3.5 kilograms of the drug, estimated at street value in crores of rupees. To put it in perspective, that quantity could fund dozens of clandestine distribution cells for months, funneling illicit money back to kingpins hidden across borders.
5.2 Financial Windfall: ₹99,09,850 in Seized Cash
Nearly ₹1 crore in unaccounted cash was discovered squirreled away in suspicious containers. This staggering sum not only underscores the profitability of the trade but also highlights the urgent need for robust financial monitoring and anti-money laundering mechanisms in rural regions.
5.3 Digital and Vehicular Evidence
Seven mobile phones—likely used for encrypted communications—and two vehicles (an aging Indian-made DI model and a relatively new Hyundai Creta) rounded out the haul. Tracking call logs and vehicle movement data will be central to tracing the supply chain back to larger suppliers and financiers
Conclusion: A Step Forward, Many Miles to Go
The Kangpokpi bust marks a decisive chapter in Manipur’s fight against drug trafficking. Yet as every seasoned detective knows, apprehending mule riders and mid-level operatives is only half the battle. The true victory lies in dismantling the networks that ensnare vulnerable communities in cycles of addiction and crime. If the state can pair sharp policing with social development—better schools, healthcare, and jobs—then this success could indeed become a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to the discovery of the heroin stash in Kangpokpi?
Intelligence tips, coupled with covert surveillance in T. Khullen village, pinpointed unusual movements and transactions, prompting the targeted raid. - How is the seized heroin’s street value estimated?
Authorities use prevailing market rates—typically ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per gram depending on purity—to calculate overall worth in crores for 3.5 kilograms. - What happens to the arrested individuals now?
The four accused are under judicial custody. Investigations continue, with forensic analysis of devices and assets to identify higher-ups in the trafficking ring. - How can local residents help prevent such drug operations?
Reporting suspicious activities—unmarked vehicles, late-night gatherings, unknown package drops—to police stations and community watch groups is crucial. - Are there plans for cross-border cooperation to curb trafficking?
Yes. Manipur police are in talks with border security forces and their Myanmar counterparts to intensify patrols and intelligence sharing.
