In a significant crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, Manipur security forces arrested three suspected drug smugglers and seized contraband substances along with over Rs 1.17 crore in cash during coordinated operations over the last 36 hours.
The first operation took place near the India-Myanmar border between Haichin and Suangdoh villages under Singngat Police Station in Churachandpur district. Two men, Nangkhauthiu (47) of Sehjang village and Tuangpu Guite (41) of Gaugpimual village, were apprehended with Rs 1,17,30,600 in cash. Police linked their arrest to an ongoing probe into drug smuggling networks exploiting the porous border.
In a separate operation in Bishnupur district, Manipur Police arrested Najima (42), wife of Mohammed Mahanddin of Kwakta Ward No. 6, from Nachou Panthong under Bishnupur Police Station. Authorities recovered 13 soap cases containing roughly 152 grams of suspected heroin (excluding packaging), along with two mobile phones and an Aadhar card.
Manipur, part of the Golden Triangle, has faced persistent challenges with drug trafficking since the 1970s. The formalization of border trade in the 1990s has made enforcement difficult, drawing many locals into the illicit drug trade. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle these networks.
