Manipur: Police Seize 519 IMFL Bottles at Imphal Airport, Detain 15 in Statewide Anti-Liquor Crackdown
Imphal, August 6: Manipur Police, in coordination with security forces and with assistance from the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), launched a series of anti-liquor operations across the state on August 5, leading to the seizure of 519 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), hundreds of litres of locally brewed liquor, and the arrest and detention of several individuals.
The largest operation was carried out at Imphal International Airport, where police acted on specific intelligence provided by DESAM. Officials intercepted a consignment of 519 bottles of IMFL that had arrived on an IndiGo flight from Delhi. The liquor was allegedly transported in 90 pieces of luggage, raising suspicion of organised illegal transportation.
Following the airport operation, 15 individuals, including six men and nine women, were detained for questioning. The seized liquor, along with the detainees, was handed over to Singjamei Police Stationfor further investigation and legal proceedings.
According to police, the confiscated consignment included several premium international liquor brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Johnnie Walker, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, Glenmorangie, Black Label, Absolut Vodka, Smirnoff, Jacob’s Creek Wine, and other imported alcoholic beverages.
Separate Raids Across Manipur
In another operation conducted in Kakching district, police arrested Leimapokpam Olin Meitei (34)of Thongjao Mamang Leikai from the Aihang area under Waikhong Police Station. During the raid, officers seized 290 litres of locally brewed DIC liquor along with a Maruti Alto (Registration No. MN03P-5884) allegedly used for transporting the liquor.
Meanwhile, an anti-liquor drive carried out at Patsoi Lamkhai and Khumbong Bazar under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district resulted in the seizure of 310 litres of DIC liquor.
Security forces also recovered 98 litres of DIC liquor during another operation in the Nambol areaunder Nambol Police Station in Bishnupur district.
In a separate case, police intercepted a Maruti Swift (Registration No. MN-06L-7989) at Kakching Lamkhai, where 429 litres of DIC liquor concealed inside 40 plastic packages were recovered.
Two individuals—Hijam Yohenba Singh (25) and Ningthoujam Joykumar Singh (44), both residents of Andro Kharam Leikai in Imphal East district—were arrested in connection with the seizure.
State Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Liquor
Police said the coordinated operations are part of the Manipur government’s ongoing campaign to curb the illegal transportation, storage, sale, and distribution of liquor across the state. Authorities added that investigations are continuing to identify others involved in the illegal liquor network and determine the source and intended destination of the seized consignments.
The latest operations highlight the intensified efforts of law enforcement agencies to enforce prohibition-related laws and dismantle illegal liquor supply chains operating across Manipur.
