Security forces in Manipur have apprehended two drug peddlers from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and confiscated 51 kilograms of opium valued at over Rs three crore. The arrests led to the dismantling of an inter-state trafficking network associated with Myanmar. The interception occurred at Leingangpokpi village in Jiribam district along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
Authorities seized two carton boxes containing the opium along with three mobile phones from the suspects. The estimated worth of the seized opium in the international market is over Rs three crore. Investigations suggest that the consignment originated from Myanmar, with Jiribam district being the likely destination due to its proximity to the inter-state border with southern Assam, which shares boundaries with Bangladesh.
This seizure highlights Myanmar’s significant role as a major opium producer, especially in regions like Kachin and Shan states. Notably, this is the second substantial crackdown on Myanmar-linked drug trafficking in Manipur within 24 hours. Previously, a joint operation involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police resulted in the arrest of two drug peddlers and the confiscation of 4.267 kilograms of heroin valued at Rs 8.5 crore.
The successful operation against cross-border drug trafficking took place near Khuakhual in Churachandpur district, which shares an international border with Myanmar. During the operation, officials intercepted a vehicle and a Kenbo motorcycle, leading to the seizure of the heroin consignment and the immediate arrest of two individuals involved in the trafficking network. The vulnerable region of Manipur, particularly the districts of Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong, and Ukhrul, with a 398-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar, remains a hotspot for such illicit activities.
