Drugs worth over ₹ 84 cr seized in Chandel, Jiri, Cachar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 20 2025: In a span of just two days, central forces and police recovered narcotics valued at over Rs 84 crore in three major anti-drug operations in Manipur's Chandel and Jiribam districts, and neighbouring Assam's Cachar district.

One of the seizures included opium and Myanmarese currency, while heroin and methamphetamine were recovered in the other two incidents.

A couple from Churachandpur district was also arrested in the Cachar operation.

The seizures, which include heroin, methamphetamine tablets, opium, and large sums of Indian and foreign currencies, underline the magnitude of narco-trafficking linked to cross-border routes and the involvement of individuals from Manipur.

According to a PTI report citing a release by the Assam Rifles, an operation was carried out on July 16 in Sajik Tampak area under Chandel district.

Acting on specific input, Assam Rifles checked two motorcycles abandoned near a check post and recovered 50.5 kilograms of opium, along with cash of 1.24 crore Myanmar Kyat and Rs 2 lakh in Indian currency.

The seized drugs and cash were handed over to Chakpikarong police for further investigation, the statement said.

In another high-profile operation, Assam Rifles, in a joint effort with Manipur Police and CRPF, seized heroin and methamphetamine tablets worth nearly Rs 76 crore from a boat on Barak River in Jiribam district on Sunday.

The joint team was patrolling the river between Chaudharykhal and Savomphai, bordering Jiribam and Pherzawl districts, when they intercepted the boat.

Upon being challenged, the boat's operator attempted to flee but was apprehended.

The boat was found carrying 616 soap cases of heroin and 50,000 meth tablets.

The arrested person is a resident of Silchar, Assam.

Security officials said that this was one of the largest narcotics seizures in recent times and marks a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in the region, India Today NE reported.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Assam's Cachar district, police seized heroin worth around Rs 6.22 crore on Saturday evening, and arrested a couple from Churachandpur district.

According to Barak Bulletin, a vehicle bearing registration number MN-01AS-1591 was intercepted at Saptagram under Dholai police station during a special operation.

Upon searching the vehicle, police recovered 99 soap cases containing heroin hidden inside specially built compartments.

Senior SP, Cachar, Numal Mahatta, confirmed that the suspects, identified as Michael Lairemruot of Saikot, Churachandpur, and his wife Merina Neitinphal, were arrested on the spot.

Preliminary investigation revealed the heroin, weighing around 1.22 kg, was being trafficked from Churachandpur, likely using Cachar as a transit point.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network involved.

These successive operations have thrown light on the increasing use of Manipur's hill districts, adjoining Assam regions, and Mizoram as corridors for narcotics trafficking, often linked to Myanmar and other international routes.

Security officials have repeatedly flagged Churachandpur's proximity to the international border and the porous terrain as significant challenges in containing the spread of narco-terror networks.

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