Imphal, 05 October (HS): Manipur Police have arrested three alleged drug Peddlers and seized 318 bottles of codeine phosphate-based cough syrup during an anti-narcotics operation in Imphal East district, officials said.

According to an official release issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Monday, a joint team of Imphal East district police and security forces launched an operation in the Ningthem Pukhri Mapal area on Sunday based on credible intelligence.

During the operation, the team arrested John Longjam alias Mani (41), a resident of Sagolband Tera Khuraijam Leirak, and recovered 158 bottles of Choco Plus brand cough syrup containing 10 mg codeine phosphate from his possession.

Police said that based on information obtained during questioning, Longjam Wanglen (41), a resident of Naoremthong Khulem Leikai, was arrested from his residence. Subsequently, acting on information provided by Wanglen, Ningthoujam Henching (29), a resident of Singjamei Oinam Thingel, was apprehended. Police recovered 160 bottles of the same brand of codeine phosphate-based cough syrup from his possession.

Besides the 318 bottles of cough syrup, police also seized a Mahindra XUV and a TVS Jupiter scooter during the operation.

The arrested persons and the seized items were handed over to Porompat Police Station for further legal action, the police said.

Authorities said anti-narcotics operations would continue across the state as part of ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking and misuse of drugs.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash