Imphal, 13 August (HS): In a series of operations conducted over the last 24 hours, Manipur Police and security forces arrested several alleged extortionists and drug peddlers and recovered narcotics, explosives and other contraband from different parts of the state.

On August 12, Thoubal CDO teams, acting on specific intelligence, conducted a search operation in the Sapam area under Khongjom Police Station and arrested 41-year-old Chongtham Premchand Singh, an alleged active cadre of KYKL involved in extortion.

In another operation, a NAB-PS team arrested 26-year-old Laxman Rasaily of Lairouching, Senapati Karong, from Khabam Lamkhai in Imphal East. Police seized 1,908 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and a Tata truck bearing registration number NL 01AG 0746.

The NAB-PS team also arrested 44-year-old Ahmad Hussain of Keirao Makting Awang Leikai from Irilbung in Imphal East and recovered 45 grams of suspected heroin powder.

During a search operation at Hiyanglam Bashikhong Maril, Khoidumpat, under Hiyanglam Police Station in Kakching district, police recovered around 1.5 kg of commercial plastic explosive, 14 detonators and approximately 12 inches of safety fuse.

In Churachandpur district, police intercepted a vehicle at Lower Mission Veng, Hiangtam Lamka, and arrested 43-year-old Thanglamkhup Manlun of Bolkot village, currently residing at Tuinom village. Police seized 33 soap cases containing suspected brown sugar weighing 474 grams and a Hyundai Creta bearing registration number MN06 L 3170.

Meanwhile, CDO Imphal East, in coordination with 2 JAK LI, arrested 23-year-old Yensembam Anao Meitei from Kongba Lairenpat. He was identified as an alleged extortionist and active cadre of KCP (MFL).

Earlier, a joint anti-narcotics operation by Heingang Police Station and CDO Imphal East at Mantripukhri Bazar led to the arrest of Mohammad Akilur Rahaman (28), Aribam Iftar (21) and Md Iqubal Khan (44). Police seized 142 bottles of codeine-based contraband, including 116 Cody Late and 26 DelStal bottles, along with a Hyundai i20 car bearing registration number HR 26BB 8564.

In a separate development, following a request from Delhi Police, Churachandpur Police recovered a stolen black Hyundai Creta at Kangvai and handed it over to a Delhi Police team from Uttam Nagar Police Station, Dwarka district.

Earlier, CDO Imphal East, along with women police personnel and in coordination with 28 Assam Rifles, arrested 27-year-old Oinam (Ongbi) Tenden Devi from Sekta Awang Leikai for alleged involvement in drug peddling. Police seized 22.75 kg of suspected ganja and a mobile phone from her possession.

Further investigation into the cases is underway.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash