Manipur: Four Chinese-Origin Mortars, 80-Kg Rocket Seized; Methamphetamine Worth ₹3.25 Crore Recovered

Security forces have seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including four Chinese-origin 82 mm mortars and an approximately 80-kg rocket, in separate operations in Manipur over the past 24 hours. They also recovered 1.147 kg of banned methamphetamine tablets, valued at an estimated ₹3.25 crore, and arrested two suspected drug traffickers, police said on Thursday.

The weapons were recovered during operations in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, while the drug seizure was made at Sapermeina in Kangpokpi district.

Chinese-Origin Mortars And 80-Kg Rocket Recovered

The four Chinese-origin 82 mm mortars and the rocket, measuring around 10 feet in length and weighing approximately 80 kg, were recovered during a joint operation by district police and the Army in a forested area near P Geljang village under Kangvai sub-division on Wednesday.

The other weapons and ammunition seized during the operations included:

• Three country-made guns with two magazines
• One pistol without a magazine
• Three single-barrel rifles
• Five Chinese grenades
• 30 mortar bombs of different calibres, including 82 mm and 51 mm
• Seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing between 2 kg and 4 kg
• Five rounds of 5.6 mm ammunition
• One country-made MP-5 with a magazine
• One country-made mortar
• Three hand grenades
• One high-explosive (HE) bomb
• Other explosive devices and miscellaneous items

Methamphetamine Worth ₹3.25 Crore Seized; Two Arrested

In a separate operation, security forces recovered approximately 1.147 kg of methamphetamine tablets, along with packaging materials, at Sapermeina in Kangpokpi district.

According to a police official, security agencies had received intelligence inputs about the transportation of drugs from Imphal to Mao in Senapati district, which borders Nagaland.

A joint team comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) subsequently launched an operation to intercept a passenger bus. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the banned tablets, estimated to be worth ₹3.25 crore.

A suspected drug peddler, identified as Md. Karim Khan (27), alias Achouba, a resident of Lilong Turel Ahanbi in Thoubal district, was arrested.

Suspected Buyer In Assam Also Arrested

During preliminary questioning, investigators received information about the alleged involvement of a suspected buyer based in Assam.

Acting on the information, a joint team of Kangpokpi district police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, with assistance from Assam Police, arrested another accused, Abdul Khalique (40), a resident of Dhansari in Assam's Darrang district.

Further investigation is underway to establish the extent of the alleged inter-state drug trafficking network and identify other people involved in the illegal trade.

116 Checkpoints Set Up Across Manipur

Meanwhile, central and state security forces continue to conduct extensive operations against militants and other unlawful activities across Manipur.

Search operations and area-domination exercises are underway in fringe, mixed-populated and vulnerable areas across several districts to maintain security and prevent the movement of armed groups.

As part of the intensified security measures, 116 nakas, or checkpoints, have been established across the state's valley and hill districts to curb the movement of armed elements and suspicious vehicles.

Security forces are also providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of goods and passengers.