Poppy growers, drug dealers held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 17 2023: Continuing the War on Drugs campaign, the Government arrested at least five poppy growers, two drug smugglers and one youth along with one kg of ganja in the last 24 hours.

It is also reported that 114.60 gram of brown sugar were seized from the two drug smugglers.

Poppy growers
A combined team of Kangpokpi, Gamnom Sapormeina and Saikul police arrested five individuals allegedly involved in poppy plantations at different parts of Thingsit Forest hill range yesterday afternoon.

The five persons who were arrested on the charge of planting poppy at different parts of Thingsit Forest hill range yesterday have been identified as Chungthang Khongsai (23), s/o Seingam Khongsai of P Moulding Village, Leimakhong; Seigin Haokip (41), s/o (L) Jamkholun Haokip of Ankhombung Village, Saikul; Paothang Doungel (65), s/o Thanglhun Doungel of Lhungjang Village, Saikul; Lengpao Kilong (39), s/o Paohao Kilong of N Chaljang Village, Saikul and Seikhohao Haokip (30), s/o Paokhai Haokip of T Lamkajang Village, Saikul.

Poppy growers, drug dealers held

They were arrested while the combined police team was conducting a massive search operation and poppy destruction drive in the hill range.

They have been handed over to Saikul police station.

Drug smugglers
Imphal West commandos arrested two drug smugglers from Imphal West and Thoubal districts and seized 10 soap cases containing 114.60 gram of brown sugar and two 2-wheeler vehicles from them.

114.60 gram of brown sugar would fetch around Rs 17 lakh in the international market.

According to sources, a team of Imphal West commandos carried out a frisking and checking drive at Samurou Awang Leikai near Ima Panthoibi Community Hall on receiving inputs about the movement of a drug smuggler along Mayai Lambi Road.

During the frisking, one youth identified as Md Amir Khan (33), s/o (L) Md Abdul Karim of Leihaokhong was detained for verification, during which he disclosed that he was coming to buy brown sugar from Md Maneruddin for commercial use , said the sources.

Md Amir Khan further disclosed that at least 10 soap cases containing 114.60 grams brown sugar were bought by Md Maneruddin from Md Lakimuddin (35) of Lilong Turel Ahanbi.

The commandos rushed to Darul-ul-lum Madrasa in Lilong and arrested Md Maneruddin with the 10 soap cases of brown sugar and one moped based on the tip off.

Further, the commando team also carried out a search operation at the residence of Md Lakimuddin at Lilong Turel Ahanbi along with the representative of the local club but none were found inside the house, added the sources.

During the search, 180 pieces of black paper suspected to be used in producing fake currency notes were also seized.

The arrested persons along with the seized article have been handed over to Wangoi police station.

Remanded
The couple arrested along with 101 soap cases containing 1251 grams of heroin by Bishnupur police yesterday from the junction of Tera Urak Industrial Estate along Imphal Churachandpur road have been remanded to 6 days police custody by Chief Judicial Magistrate Bishnupur.

The value of 1.25 kg of heroin is around Rs 2.5 crore in the international market.

Through APP, the IO of the case submitted that the couple was coming along with their two year old daughter to transport the heroin from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi yesterday morning.

Reportedly, the couple has admitted the charges.

It is said that their daughter is in the care of the Child Welfare Committee Bishnupur.

Youth held with ganja
A 24 year old youth was arrested along with one kilogram of ganja from Imphal Tulihal International Airport while trying to board a Delhi bound Indigo flight today.

The arrested person has been identified as Y Priyokumar, s/o Tombi of Thoubal Athokpam Heikrumakhong.

The ganja in two packages (500 gram each) was detected during baggage screening by the Airport staff, following which the Airport staff detained him.

He was picked up by Singjamei police later.