Tengnoupal (Manipur), 12 January (HS): Security forces in Manipur have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and seized a large consignment of yaba tablets valued at over ₹1 crore during a checkpoint operation in Tengnoupal district, police said on Monday.

The arrests followed a tip-off, after which security personnel intercepted a vehicle in the jurisdiction of Tengnoupal police station. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5.89 kgs of yaba tablets, indicating a significant attempt to move narcotics through the sensitive border district.

The accused have been identified as James Baite (28), Hatneikim Baite (50) and David T Mate (41). Police officials said the quantity and estimated market value of the seized drugs point to organised trafficking activity rather than isolated possession.

Yaba, popularly referred to as “crazy medicine,” is a tablet-based form of methamphetamine and is regarded as a highly addictive stimulant. Originally introduced in East Asia during World War II, the drug has since become a major substance of abuse across several Southeast Asian countries.

Police said investigations are continuing to trace the origin of the contraband and to uncover possible connections with larger cross-border drug trafficking networks operating in the region.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash