Did Assam Rifles Uncover a Major Drug Racket in Manipur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles have seized a significant quantity of methamphetamine.
- Collaboration with Manipur Police is crucial in combating drug trafficking.
- Yaba tablets are highly addictive and illegal in India.
- Drug trafficking routes often connect to Myanmar.
- Continued vigilance is necessary to protect society from drugs.
Imphal, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Assam Rifles have successfully dismantled a significant drug operation in Manipur, seizing methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 40 crore and apprehending a drug trafficker during the operation, officials reported on Friday.
A defence spokesperson indicated that following precise intelligence, Assam Rifles personnel, in collaboration with Manipur Police, executed a coordinated anti-narcotics operation on Thursday in the Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam.
In the course of the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets, from a truck.
The confiscated substances, along with the arrested individual and the vehicle, were transferred to Jiribam Police for further inquiries, underscoring the commitment to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the community, as stated by the Assam Rifles.
In a separate operation, Manipur Police detained another drug dealer, identified as Mohammad Mustakim, a resident of Mantripukhri in Imphal East.
Authorities recovered approximately 310 grams of heroin, concealed in 24 soap cases, along with a Maruti Swift car from his possession.
Additionally, in a third operation, security forces arrested an active member named Salam Shyam Singh (44), linked to the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant group, from a rented accommodation in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West.
Moreover, an associate of the KYKL member, Salam Naobi Singh (43) from Kakching district, was also apprehended at his home, where security forces recovered 111 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, a 36 HE grenade without a detonator, two detonators, two mobile phones, and two Aadhaar cards.
According to a police official, the seized 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, which comprise a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine, colloquially known as the “crazy drug,” are prohibited in India and are believed to have been smuggled from Myanmar.
The Chin State in Myanmar has become a significant point for the trafficking of drugs and other contraband across six districts of Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—that share a porous 510-km border with the neighboring nation.
In Manipur, five districts—Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul—share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.