Drugs Worth Rs 27 Crore Seized in Manipur, Six Suspected Smugglers Arrested

Six suspected smugglers were arrested in Manipur’s Jiribam district after security forces seized narcotics worth more than Rs 27 crore during a joint operation, officials said on Friday.

The operation was conducted by the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in the Tupidhar area on Thursday following intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected smugglers through the Barak River.

Acting on the information, Assam Rifles troops intercepted a boat believed to be carrying the suspects. The occupants allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the security personnel, prompting the troops to pursue and intercept them.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 90,000 Yaba tablets, estimated to be worth around Rs 27 crore, along with 48 grams of heroin valued at Rs 28.80 lakh, according to a statement issued by the security forces.

The six arrested individuals were identified as Elbethel Lungtau, Pana Hmar, Denthar Hmar, Laltiunglien Hmar, Lal Ramthar Hmar and Thowna Hmar.

Following the seizure, the suspects and the confiscated narcotics were handed over to Boro Bekra Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The recovery highlights the continued efforts by security agencies to curb the movement of illegal drugs through Manipur, particularly along routes connected to riverine and border areas. Authorities are expected to investigate the source of the narcotics, their intended destination and whether the arrested suspects were part of a larger smuggling network.

The combined estimated value of the seized Yaba tablets and heroin stands at approximately Rs 27.29 crore. Further details about the case, including possible links to other individuals involved in the alleged trafficking network, are expected to emerge as the police investigation progresses.