Imphal, 14 June (HS): Manipur Police achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-drug drive by seizing a large quantity of suspected heroin and cocaine in separate operations conducted in Bishnupur and Imphal West districts on Saturday.

Officials informed on Sunday that in Bishnupur district, police intercepted a Tata Gold Sumo (AS 11 BC 5395) at Tronglaobi Makha Leikai under Moirang Police Station and recovered 26 soap cases containing suspected heroin. Two occupants of the vehicle were apprehended. The arrested individuals have been identified as Bicky Munda (22), a resident of Charhajare village in Motbung, Senapati district and a juvenile from Hungpung village in Ukhrul district.

In a separate anti-narcotics operation in Imphal West district, police arrested two persons from different locations and seized cocaine from their possession. Sukham Rozar (25), a resident of Sagolband Sayang Pukhri Mapal, was arrested near Nitayainanda Mandir on RIMS Road with 4.6 grams of cocaine.

Another accused, Mutum Giriraj alias Pakpa (29) of Sagolband Meino Leirak, was arrested from his locality and police recovered 18.6 grams of cocaine from him.

Police have registered relevant cases and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and network involved in the trafficking of narcotic substances.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash