Imphal, 15 June (HS): A joint operation by the police and central forces in Manipur has dealt a severe blow to the drug and illegal arms network. A police PRO said on Sunday that several important recoveries and arrests have been made in the ongoing operations.

During the operation, a Maruti Suzuki Francox car was stopped at the Sita Motor Vehicle Check Post in Tengnoupal district. During the search, about 4.152 KGS of suspected opium was recovered from the car. Four people in the car—Mohammad Azad Khan, Mohammad Maqsood, Alina Bibi (all three from Lilong, Thoubal district) and Hatsi Zo (from Chelap village, Tengnoupal)—were arrested on the spot. Six mobile phones and two Aadhar cards were also seized from them.

In another operation, Makkamyum Boboy alias Sadam, a resident of Lilong, was arrested from his house. 41 grams of suspected brown sugar (heroin) was recovered from him.

Meanwhile, security forces recovered a .303 rifle, 7.62 mm SLR, 48 live cartridges, tear smoke shells and riot control cartridges from Tentha Samuching area under Khongjam police station area.

It is noteworthy that on the intervening night of 13-14, based on another specific intelligence input, a simultaneous search operation was conducted in the outskirts of five valley districts. A large quantity of arms and war material was recovered in this.

The 328 weapons include SLR, INSAS, AK series, LMG, MP5 and a mortar and 591 magazines, more than 8,600 different bullets, grenades, detonators, tear gas shells and other war material.

The administration has appealed to the common citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or control room.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash