Chennai police arrested 30-year-old Vungliaching alias Rebekka from Singhat in the Churachandpur district of Manipur on Friday for illegally selling painkiller tablets without a prescription. The arrest took place near the Thiruvanmiyur bus stand, where authorities seized 8,100 tablets of tapentadol hydrochloride, a potent pain-relieving drug that is often misused. In addition to the tablets, police also recovered Rs1,650 in cash and an iPhone from her possession.
According to police investigations, Vungliaching had ordered the tapentadol tablets online, receiving them via courier services. She then distributed the painkillers to contacts across Chennai, bypassing legal medical protocols. Tapentadol hydrochloride, a prescription-only drug in India, is highly regulated due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
The arrest of Vungliaching comes amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly in the Churachandpur district, where unrest has forced many to seek alternative and sometimes illegal means of income. Authorities are now focusing on breaking the supply chain of this illicit drug trade and identifying other individuals involved.
Chennai police have ramped up their crackdown on the illegal distribution of prescription drugs like tapentadol, which can cause serious health issues, including addiction, when used without medical supervision. Following her arrest, Vungliaching was sent to remand by a local court, with further interrogations taking place in police custody.
This timely arrest highlights the ongoing need for strict enforcement against the illegal trade of prescription drugs in the region, ensuring public safety and health.