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