Imphal: Security forces in Manipur seized nearly 2 kg of opium at Imphal airport and conducted several operations across the state, leading to the arrest of a militant cadre and the recovery of arms and ammunition, officials said on Wednesday.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel recovered the contraband during a routine screening of consignments at the airport on Tuesday. The seized opium has been seized, and an investigation has been launched to trace its source and identify those involved in the attempted transshipment.
In a separate operation, security forces arrested an alleged extortionist linked to the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive (PREPAK-Pro). The suspect was identified as Achom Luwangba Meitei (44), a resident of Thangmeiband Polem Leikai and currently living in Langol Yumjaomanbi Leikai in Imphal West district.
He was arrested from Wangdei Meitei Leikai in Langol. Four mobile phones and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him.
In another operation, Manipur Police arrested Waikhom Ratan Singh (46), a resident of Moirangkhom Loklabang in Imphal West district, from his home within the jurisdiction of the Imphal Police Station. A 9mm pistol was seized during the operation.
Meanwhile, a joint team of the Central Security Force and Manipur Police conducted a search operation in Old Gothol village under the Churachandpur Police Station on Monday and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.
The items seized included a country-made single-barrel rifle, a bolt-action rifle, a country-made grenade, a .22 rifle with a telescopic sight, pump-action ammunition, four rounds of single-barrel ammunition, a pump-action mortar, and five country-made shells.
While no arrests were made in connection with the seizure in Old Gothol village, the seized weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the relevant police station for further legal action.
Officials said that all the arrested individuals and the seized items have been transferred to the respective police stations for further investigation and legal action.
