Major Arms and Drug Seizures in Manipur: Four Chinese Mortars and 80 kg Rocket Confiscated

Imphal, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Security forces in Manipur have made significant seizures of weapons and drugs over the past 24 hours. In a series of operations, they recovered four 82 mm mortars made in China, a rocket weighing approximately 80 kilograms, and 1.147 kilograms of methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug.

A police official reported that central and state security forces conducted two separate operations in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, uncovering a large cache of arms and ammunition. The mortars and rocket were found during a joint operation by district police and the army in a remote area near P. Geljang village in the Kangpokpi sub-division.

In addition to the mortars and rocket, the operations yielded other weapons including three homemade guns with two magazines, a pistol without a magazine, three single-barrel rifles, five grenades made in China, and 30 mortar bombs of varying calibers (82 mm and 51 mm). Seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing between 2 to 4 kilograms were also recovered.

Other items seized included five rounds of 5.6 mm ammunition, a homemade MP-5 with a magazine, a homemade mortar, three hand grenades, a high-explosive bomb, and various other explosive devices.

In a separate operation in the Kangpokpi district, security forces confiscated approximately 1.147 kilograms of methamphetamine and its packaging materials. This seizure was based on reliable intelligence regarding drug trafficking from Imphal to Senapati district near the Nagaland border. A joint team of Manipur police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stopped a passenger bus, leading to the discovery of the drugs.

The estimated value of the seized drugs is around ₹3.25 crore. A suspect, identified as 27-year-old Mohammad Karim Khan, also known as Achoba, was arrested. He hails from Lilong Turel Ahanbi in Thoubal district.

During interrogation, investigators learned of a potential buyer residing in Assam. Acting on this information, a joint team of Kangpokpi district police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, with assistance from Assam police, arrested another suspect, identified as Abdul Khalik, 40, from Dhansari in the Darrang district of Assam.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the extent of this alleged interstate drug trafficking network and identify other individuals involved in the illicit trade.

Meanwhile, security forces in Manipur are conducting extensive operations against insurgents and illegal activities. To maintain security and prevent the movement of armed groups, search operations and area control exercises are ongoing in various districts, particularly in border areas with mixed populations.

Under strict security measures, a total of 116 checkpoints have been established across both valley and hill districts to curb the illegal movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles. Security forces are also providing escorts for vehicles on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), including trucks carrying essential goods, to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement for goods and passengers.