Manipur Police seized 7.732 kg of suspected brown sugar and arrested a 29-year-old man during an anti-drug operation in Churachandpur district on October 27. In a separate operation in Thoubal district, security personnel recovered firearms, hand grenades, detonators and live ammunition during a joint search on October 28.
According to reports, the drug seizure was made at Valpakot village, where police intercepted and searched a Bolero vehicle during an operation against drug trafficking.
The arrested man was identified as Lunminlal Mate, a resident of Longja village in Chandel district. Police recovered approximately 7.732 kg of suspected brown sugar from the vehicle and seized the vehicle along with the contraband.
Further details regarding the source of the suspected drugs and their intended destination were not immediately available.
In a separate development, Thoubal Police Commandos and personnel of the 33 Assam Rifles recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in the general area of Ikop Pat in Thoubal district on October 28.
The operation led to the recovery of two submachine gun (SMG) carbines, four double- or single-barrel guns and three pistols.
The security personnel also seized four hand grenades, two detonators and 39 rounds of assorted live ammunition. Several magazines of different types were recovered as well, although their exact number was not specified.
The recovery was made during a coordinated search by the police commandos and the Assam Rifles as part of security operations in the state.
Details regarding the suspected ownership of the weapons, their intended use and whether any arrests were made in connection with the recovery were not immediately available.
The two operations highlight continuing efforts by Manipur Police and security forces to curb drug trafficking and recover illegal weapons in the state. While the Churachandpur operation resulted in an arrest and a substantial seizure of suspected narcotics, the search in Thoubal led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
Further details are awaited regarding the investigation into the suspected drug consignment and the origin of the weapons recovered in Thoubal.
