Imphal, July 5: A joint anti-narcotics operation in Manipur’s Imphal East district resulted in the seizure of 238.6 kg of suspected ganja and the arrest of four individuals, police said on July 4.
The operation was conducted by a combined team of the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF), Lamlai Police, personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and members of Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol Manipur (YADAM) after receiving specific intelligence about the movement of narcotics.
During the operation, security personnel intercepted a Mahindra Bolero pickup near Poloi Football Turf at Chingarel Tejpur under the jurisdiction of Lamlai Police Station. Police said the vehicle’s occupant allegedly attempted to escape after spotting the security team. The driver was identified as Mataimei W. Shimray, a resident of Ukhrul district.
A search of the pickup vehicle led to the recovery of 16 packets containing approximately 209.7 kg of suspected ganja, including the weight of the packaging. The contraband was seized, and Shimray was taken into custody.
According to police, interrogation of the arrested driver led investigators to the alleged intended recipients of the consignment. Acting on the information, the police arrested two 18-year-olds, identified as Ngangbam Dinesh and Phuritshabam Yaiphaba Meitei, who had arrived at the location on a TVS Apache RTR 160 motorcycle. The motorcycle was also seized during the operation.
Based on further disclosures made during the investigation, another raid was conducted at Pungdongbam Makha Leikai, where police recovered an additional 28.9 kg of suspected ganja from the residence of 42-year-old Oinam Abung Meetei, who was subsequently arrested.
In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 238.6 kg of suspected ganja, along with a Mahindra Bolero pickup and a TVS Apache RTR 160 motorcycle. Police said all four accused, the seized narcotics, and the vehicles have been handed over to Lamlai Police Station, where a case has been registered and further investigation is in progress.
