Imphal, April 22: Manipur Police arrested a 26-year-old man and seized a large quantity of illicitly distilled liquor during an operation in Mayang Imphal, officials said.
The accused, identified as Chingakham Nilabir Singh from Andro Khunou Leikai, was apprehended at Mayang Imphal Thongkhong with around 270 litres of DIC liquor, along with 80 half bottles amounting to an additional 40 litres.
Police said the seized consignment and the accused have been handed over to the Excise Department for further legal proceedings. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the circulation of unauthorised alcohol in the state.
In a parallel initiative, Manipur Police has intensified preventive measures against illegal poppy cultivation in Churachandpur district through a community-based programme titled ‘HinChi’, implemented in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau.
The initiative targets vulnerable areas historically associated with poppy cultivation. Police teams, working with local stakeholders, have engaged village chiefs and 127 households to shift towards alternative livelihoods. Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate cash crops such as ginger, peas and bananas.
The programme has received financial support of ₹28 lakh under corporate social responsibility from Segula Technologies. Authorities have distributed approximately 55,000 kg of ginger seeds, 450 kg of pea seeds and 6,500 banana saplings among participating households.
Officials said joint teams comprising Manipur Police, the Narcotics Control Bureau and a local non-governmental organisation will monitor the project, assist farmers with cultivation practices and help ensure market access post-harvest.
Authorities described the combined focus on enforcement and community engagement as a long-term strategy to tackle illicit trade while promoting economic stability in affected regions.
