Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 23, 2010:
Five arms dealers belonging to the proscribed PREPAK have been apprehended by a combined team of Imphal East commandos and Assam Rifles.
Parading the apprehended dealers together with weapons seized from them at Imphal East District Police Hqs, Porompat today, Imphal East Additional SP (Operations) Moirangthem Rajen said that a combined team of Imphal East commandos and troops of 17 AR and 39 AR, acting on a specific tip-off, conducted a search operation in Khurai Lamlong area this morning.
One M-16 rifle, one M-16 magazine containing 10 live rounds, three 9 mm pistols together with three magazines and nine live rounds were recovered from their possession, Rajen said.
Most of these arms and ammunition were recovered from Ngangbam Premchand (37) of Lamlong and Thangjam Bijoy (40) of Khurai Puthiba.
The others involved in arms dealing by the duo are Takhelchangbam Robinchandra (32) of Khurai Thoidingjam Leikai, Soyam Lelen alias Dinus (40) of Khurai Thongam Leikai and Nongthombam Boy (30) of Khurai Puthiba Leikai.
It has been learnt that they used to sell one M-16 rifle at Rs 1.15 lakh and 9 mm pistols at Rs 1.30 lakh per piece, the Addl SP said.
He said that district police would make further investigation into the case.
Some others involved in the arms dealing racket are yet to be arrested, he added.