Imphal, June 23 2009: Two individuals suspected to be drug smugglers have been slain in a reported encounter with Imphal East commandos at Heingang foothills under Heingang police station at about 7.45 pm.

Acting on a specific tip-off about the movement of armed drug smugglers, Imphal East commandos were frisking commuters at Khurai Heikrumakhong, when a Maruti van sped away without paying any heed to the call to halt, said a police source.

The commandos chased the van which turned towards Heingang.

On reaching Heingang foothills, the unidentified persons opened fire towards the commandos who retaliated immediately.

Two individuals were killed in the retaliatory fire.

In addition to the maruti van (MN-06L/1899), one 9 mm pistol, four live rounds, one Chinese hand grenade and a large quantity of SP capsules and N-10 tablets have been recovered from the possession of the two slain individuals.