Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Security forces in Manipur’s Senapati district intercepted a massive drug trafficking haul, seizing over 65 kilograms of narcotics during a series of intense operations. Officers recovered 15.35 kg of opium from a vehicle masquerading as an Army officer's transport, 49.5 kg from an abandoned SUV, and 530 grams of brown sugar from a separate intercept.
On Sunday at 9 a.m., a joint team of the Special Operations Team of Senapati Police, 16 Assam Rifles, and CRPF units stopped a Toyota Innova, registration AS23AK5541, at the T. Khullen check-post. The vehicle displayed a VIP flag, one-star Brigadier insignia, and plates reading ARMY and MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. Investigators confirmed it had no ties to the Indian Army. Police arrested the driver, 45-year-old Tarkeshwar Singh of Tinsukia, after finding 17 packets of opium hidden beneath the rear right door.
Separately, police pursued a white Hyundai Creta, registration NL07CE-0841, along National Highway-2 at 6 a.m. The driver fled the T. Khullen check-post, abandoning the SUV near Hengbung Baptist Church with the ignition key intact. A search revealed 49 packets totaling 49.5 kg of opium stashed under the vehicle floor. Registered to Z. Reithingam, the SUV and accompanying documentation were seized. Police are currently hunting for the escaped driver.
Earlier, on June 29, officers intercepted a Tata Yodha, registration MN06LA-3305, at the same checkpoint. They arrested occupants Helkho Kipgen, 45, and Hatneilhing Kipgen, 40, both from Kangpokpi district. The search yielded 42 soap cases containing 530 grams of brown sugar. Senapati Superintendent of Police Zaib Shaikh oversaw the operations. Police have filed cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials are now working to map the broader trafficking networks. As one investigator noted, "Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify others linked to the alleged drug trafficking network."
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