Drugs worth Rs 27 Cr seized
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Jiribam, August 20 2026: In separate operations today, security forces arrested eight smugglers and seized drugs worth crores, including a major Rs 27.288 crore bust of Yaba and heroin in Jiribam, and a seizure of 45 Kg opium in Senapati district.

The Yaba tablets and heroin worth Rs 27.288 crore were seized from six individuals by a combined team of 39 Assam Rifles, 20 Bn CRPF and the Borobekra police in a coordinated operation in the Tupidhor area of Jiribam in the early hours today.

The drugs were being smuggled in a country-made boat on the Barak River.

The six individuals were trying to smuggle the drugs from Mizoram into Assam, said sources.

Police have identified the arrested as Elbethel Lungtau, Pana Hmar, Denthar Hmar, Laltiunglien Hmar, Lal Ramthar Hmar, and Thowna Hmar.

After spotting the boat moving silently in the cover of the dark, security forces challenged the vessel and ordered it to halt midstream.

Instead of surrendering, the occupants made a desperate attempt to evade capture.

Abandoning the boat, the suspects plunged into the river in a futile attempt to flee towards the dense jungle along the riverbank.

The security forces responded swiftly and launched a coordinated pursuit, promptly sealing all escape routes, and arrested all six individuals.

A subsequent search revealed a staggering consignment of narcotics.

The joint team recovered 90,000 Yaba tablets weighing 9.414 Kg, valued at approximately Rs 27 crore and 177 grams of heroin, packed in four soap cases and valued at Rs 28.80 lakh.

The total estimated value of the narcotics seized in the operation stands at an astounding Rs 27.288 crore.

The six apprehended individuals, along with the seized narcotics and other materials, have been handed over to the Borobekra Police for detailed investigation and further legal action under the NDPS Act.

In the other operation, Senapati police arrested two identified as Sanesh Limbu (25), Sachin Thapa (20) at Khongnem Thana village and seized 46 packets of opium weighing 45 Kg, a Thar Roxx vehicle and Rs 10,000 in cash.

The two are residents of Irang Part-1, Lamchok, under Kangpokpi police station, said the police.

Comment