Drugs worth over ₹55 crore seized in Churachandpur, five arrested
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 09 2025: In a major crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking in the state, contraband drugs and cash worth over Rs 55.52 crore were seized in Churachandpur during a three-day special operation codenamed "Operation White Veil".

The operation was jointly conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs, and other law enforcement agencies from June 5 to 7 in the border areas of Churachandpur district.

According to an official release, the joint team recovered 7.756 kg of heroin, valued at approxi mately Rs 54.29 crore in the international grey market, and 6.736 kg of opium worth Rs 87.57 lakh.

In addition, cash totalling Rs 35.63 lakh, two Baofeng walkie-talkies, and one van were seized during the operation.

Five individuals were arrested under various provisions of the Narcptic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.The operation unfolded in multiple stages across the district.

In the early morning hours of June 6, two suspects travelling in a van near Behi-ang village, close to the Indo-Myanmar border, were tracked discreetly by the joint team.

The trail led to a residential house at Thadou Veng in Singhat sub-division.

A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of 219 soap cases containing heroin and eight packages along with 18 small tin cans filled with opium.

The team also recovered two Baofeng walkie-talkies and Rs 7,58,050 in cash.

One person was apprehended from the house, while two others who fled were later intercepted at Bualkot Check Gate and arrested.

Following this breakthrough, a swift follow-up action led to the search of another residential house at Behiang village, belonging to one of the accused.

Authorities recovered two additional packages of opium and Rs 28,05,000 in cash from the location.

Further extending the operation based on information gathered during the initial arrests, the joint team intercepted two individuals carrying improvised manpacks at Zoukhonuam village near Border Pillar 46 on June 7.Upon searching the manpacks, 440 soap cases containing heroin were recovered.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the narcotics were smuggled into the bordering areas of Churachandpur from Myanmar through the porous forested stretches of the Indo-Myanmar border.

Despite challenging terrain and operational difficulties, the coordinated effort by DRI, Customs, and other law enforcement personnel ensured the success of the operation, the official release said.

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