Did Assam Rifles Just Uncover a Major Drug Racket in Manipur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Rifles dismantled a major drug operation in Manipur.
- Seized methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 40 crore.
- Collaboration with Manipur Police was key to the operation's success.
- Significant arrests made, including a drug peddler and a KYKL militant.
- Emphasis on the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
Imphal, Dec 26 (NationPress) - The Assam Rifles have successfully dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation in Manipur, confiscating a staggering quantity of methamphetamine tablets valued at more than Rs 40 crore and apprehending a drug trafficker during the raid, officials reported on Friday.
A defense spokesperson indicated that following precise intelligence reports, personnel from the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Manipur Police, executed a combined anti-narcotics operation on Thursday in the Jiribam district, which shares an inter-state border with southern Assam.
Throughout the operation, the law enforcement agencies seized approximately 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets, from a truck.
The confiscated drugs, alongside the arrested individual and the truck, were subsequently transferred to the Jiribam Police for ongoing investigations, highlighting the commitment to combat drug trafficking and safeguard society, as stated by the Assam Rifles.
In a separate operation, the Manipur Police detained another drug dealer, identified as Mohammad Mustakim, residing in Mantripukhri within the Imphal East district.
From Mustakim’s possession, police recovered around 310 grams of heroin, packaged within 24 soap cases, along with a Maruti Swift vehicle.
In a third initiative, security forces conducted a joint operation that led to the arrest of an active member identified as Salam Shyam Singh (44), associated with the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant group, at a rented residence in Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in the Imphal West district.
Additionally, an accomplice of the KYKL member, Salam Naobi Singh (43) from Kakching district, suspected of receiving ammunition and explosives, was also apprehended at his home.
During their capture, security personnel recovered 111 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, one 36 HE grenade lacking a detonator, two detonators, two mobile devices, and two Aadhaar cards.
Simultaneously, a police spokesperson noted that the seized 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, containing a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine, colloquially termed the “crazy drug,” are prohibited in India and are believed to have been smuggled from Myanmar.
Myanmar’s Chin state has become a significant center for the smuggling of narcotics, exotic wildlife, and other illicit goods through 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.