Drug Smuggler Arrested in Manipur After Impersonating Army Officer

Imphal: Security forces in Manipur arrested a 45-year-old man on Thursday for attempting to smuggle over 15 kg of suspected opium by disguising his vehicle as an official military car. The joint operation involved the Senapati Police Special Operations Team, the CRPF, and the 16 Assam Rifles at the T. Khullen check post.

Authorities intercepted a Toyota Innova displaying a VIP flag post and a one-star Brigadier insignia. The vehicle also featured nameplates reading ARMY and MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, which police believe were used to bypass security checks. Officials grew suspicious when they noticed the car traveling without a mandatory military escort.

The driver, identified as Tarkeshwar Singh from Assam’s Tinsukia district, was detained after a search of the vehicle revealed 17 packets of contraband hidden in a secret compartment beneath the rear door. Totaling approximately 15.350 kg, the narcotics were seized alongside the vehicle, two mobile phones, and cash.

Verification confirmed the driver had no connection to the Indian Army. Following the arrest, police registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Investigators stated, "Further investigation is underway to determine the source and intended destination of the narcotics and to examine possible links to a wider drug trafficking network."