Manipur Police Arrest Five for Illegally Transporting Over 2,000 Litres of DIC Liquor
On September 3, 2025, Manipur Police arrested five people during a two-day crackdown on the illicit liquor trade after seizing a total of 2,060 litres of Distilled Indigenous Country (DIC) liquor — 1,800 litres found in a white Bolero Camper in Maklang, Tamenglong, and about 260 litres seized near Kakching — and later handed the suspects, the vehicle and the seized liquor to Excise Department officials for further legal action.
Over two consecutive days, state police units carried out a coordinated drive targeting the trade of locally brewed Distilled Indigenous Country (DIC) liquor. During the second day of operations in Maklang (Tamenglong district), authorities intercepted a white Bolero Camper (registration MN01AA 3886) carrying 1,800 litres of DIC liquor and detained three people found in the vehicle. Earlier, in a separate action near the Buffalo Farm area under Kakching Police Station, officers recovered about 260 litres of DIC liquor from two residents of Andro Khuman Leikai, Imphal East district. Taken together, the two actions resulted in the seizure of 2,060 litres of DIC liquor and the arrest of five people. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the Excise Department for legal processing.
Who were detained
Police identified the three persons intercepted in Tamenglong as Thomas Kamei (44) of Charinaphang Village, Lily Pamei (40) of Tamenglong Khunjou, and Chinkhuidin Pamei (38) of Tamenglong Main Bazar. The two people detained earlier near Kakching were named Asheibam Prem Singh (26) and Shagolshem Tinakumar Singh (26). These are the names reported by local media and police social updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much DIC liquor was seized in total?
A1: Police reported a total seizure of 2,060 litres of DIC liquor during the two-phase operation.
Q2: Were people arrested for this seizure?
A2: Yes — five individuals were arrested across the two phases (three in Tamenglong and two near Kakching/Imphal East). The cases were handed over to the Excise Department for legal proceedings.
Q3: What law did the accused break?
A3: The action was taken under the provisions of Manipur’s excise laws, referenced against the Manipur Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2024, which regulate manufacture, transport and sale of liquor in the state.
Q4: What is DIC liquor and is it dangerous?
A4: DIC stands for Distilled Indigenous Country liquor — traditionally produced spirits. If produced or distributed without regulation, there are potential health risks (including adulteration), so authorities regulate it closely.
Q5: What should communities do if they suspect illegal liquor activity?
A5: Report suspicions to local police or Excise officials, avoid buying unlabelled or suspicious liquor, and support community awareness initiatives. Timely reporting helps prevent health hazards and lawlessness. (General advice based on public safety practices.)
