Major Drug Bust in Manipur: Assam Rifles Seize Methamphetamine Worth Over ₹40 Crore

Significant Drug Operation in Manipur

Imphal: In a significant operation, the Assam Rifles have intercepted a substantial drug shipment in Manipur, seizing methamphetamine tablets valued at over ₹40 crore and apprehending a drug dealer, officials reported on Friday.

According to a spokesperson for the defense, the operation was executed on Thursday in Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam, following specific intelligence inputs. Personnel from the Assam Rifles collaborated with the Manipur Police for this anti-narcotics initiative.

During the raid, security forces discovered 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba, hidden in a truck.

The confiscated drugs, along with the arrested individual and the vehicle, were transferred to Jiribam Police for further investigation, underscoring the commitment to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the community, as stated by the Assam Rifles.

In a separate incident, the Manipur Police detained another drug dealer, identified as Mohammad Mustakim, from Mantripukhri in Imphal East district.

Authorities recovered approximately 310 grams of heroin, packaged in 24 soap cases, along with a Maruti Swift car from his possession.

In a third operation, security forces arrested an active member of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant group, Salam Shyam Singh (44), from a rented accommodation in Imphal West district.

Additionally, an associate of the KYKL member, Salam Naobi Singh (43) from Kakching district, was also apprehended for allegedly receiving ammunition and explosives.

The security forces seized 111 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, one 36 HE grenade without a detonator, two detonators, two mobile phones, and two Aadhaar cards from their possession.

A police official noted that the seized 1.60 lakh methamphetamine tablets, which contain a blend of methamphetamine and caffeine and are often dubbed the 'crazy drug,' are illegal in India and are believed to have been smuggled from Myanmar.

Myanmar's Chin state has become a significant center for the trafficking of drugs, exotic wildlife, and other illegal goods through six districts of Mizoram—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—which share a porous 510-km border with Myanmar.

In Manipur, five districts—Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul—share a 398-km unfenced international border with Myanmar.