Imphal, 25 October (HS): Manipur Police have arrested two key accused allegedly involved in an interstate drug trafficking network linking poppy cultivators in Manipur with drug traffickers operating in Rajasthan, police said on Sunday.

According to an official statement, Senapati District Police arrested the two accused on October 24 in connection with three cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Senapati Police Station.

The arrested persons have been identified as Roman Rai (21), son of Dhanlal Rai, who was apprehended in Kangpokpi district with the assistance of the district police and Amit Kumar Thapa (35), son of Dilip Kumar Thapa, who was arrested in Bishnupur district with the assistance of the local police.

Both accused had allegedly been absconding for a considerable period and are suspected to have played key roles in the interstate drug trafficking network. A non-bailable warrant had also been issued by a court against Thapa.

With these arrests, the total number of people arrested in connection with the three cases has reached seven. The two recently arrested accused are suspected to have acted as common suppliers in the cases.

Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network and establish its wider connections, particularly those extending to Rajasthan, police said.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash