Imphal: A joint anti-narcotics operation in Manipur’s Imphal East district resulted in the arrest of four alleged drug smugglers and the seizure of 238.6 kg of suspected ganja, officials said on Sunday.
The operation was carried out on Saturday by a joint team comprising the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF), Lamlai Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and members of Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol Manipur (YADAM), following specific intelligence inputs.
Acting on the tip-off, the team intercepted a Mahindra Bolero pickup near Poloi Football Turf at Chingarel Tejpur after its driver allegedly attempted to evade the security personnel.
The driver, identified as Mataimei W. Shimray of Ukhrul district, was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officials recovered 16 packets containing around 209.7 kg of suspected ganja.
During interrogation, Shimray reportedly disclosed the identities of two alleged associates. Acting on the information, security personnel apprehended 19-year-olds Ngangbam Dinesh and Phuritshabam Yaiphaba Meitei, who had arrived at the designated drop-off point on a TVS Apache RTR 160 motorcycle.
Further investigation led the team to a house at Pungdongbam Makha Leikai, where an additional 28.9 kg of suspected ganja was recovered. The homeowner, identified as 42-year-old Oinam Abung Meetei, was also arrested in connection with the case.
The total seizure amounted to 238.6 kg of suspected ganja. The seized contraband, along with the Bolero pickup, motorcycle and the four accused, has been handed over to Lamlai Police Station.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to identify others involved and trace the wider drug trafficking network, police said.