What Led to the Seizure of Rs 19 Crore Worth of Drugs in Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 19 crore worth of drugs seized in Manipur.
- Six drug peddlers, including a woman, arrested.
- Drugs found include methamphetamine and brown sugar.
- Drugs smuggled from Myanmar, a key trafficking route.
- Ongoing operations to combat drug trafficking in northeastern India.
Imphal, Sep 3 (NationPress) A significant haul of drugs, totaling Rs 19 crore in value, was confiscated in Manipur, leading to the arrest of six individuals involved in drug trafficking, including a woman, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
As per a police spokesperson, security forces seized 5.74 kg of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and brown sugar packed in 24 soap cases across three districts: Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal.
In the Thoubal district, two drug peddlers, one of whom was a woman, were apprehended in the Lilong Hangamthabi area. From them, authorities recovered 2.357 kg of methamphetamine tablets, cash totaling Rs 2.04 lakh, six mobile phones, various IDs including Aadhaar and Voter ID, ATM cards, a walkie-talkie set, and jewelry comprising a jantra, a ring, and earrings.
In a separate operation, two smugglers were detained at the Tengnoupal Naka check post, which borders Myanmar. They were found in possession of 3.387 kg of methamphetamine tablets and a vehicle.
Additionally, two more smugglers were arrested in Singhat, Churachandpur, and following their disclosures, numerous soap cases filled with brown sugar were retrieved from various sites in the district.
Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF) also arrested two drug peddlers from Churachandpur at Amingaon, near Guwahati, seizing 910 grams of heroin worth about Rs 7.2 crore.
Officials confirmed that all confiscated drugs originated from Myanmar, with Manipur serving as a transit point for distribution to other northeastern states and beyond, including Bangladesh.
Manipur shares a 398 km unfenced border with Myanmar, a primary conduit for drug smuggling into India and its neighboring countries. Various narcotics, particularly methamphetamine tablets and other contraband, are often trafficked through six districts in Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—which also have a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar.
The drugs are then moved to various regions across the country and abroad, including Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, recently stated that drug abuse poses a serious threat to the state, emphasizing its closeness to the 'Golden Triangle', a well-known area for drug trafficking.
On Monday, K. Sapdanga, the Home Minister of Mizoram, initiated a special campaign and intensive operations to combat illegal drug trade. Inspector General of Police, H. Ramthlengliana, declared that this campaign would continue until December 31.