In one of the biggest narcotics seizures in recent months, security forces in Manipur’s Jiribam district recovered drugs worth ₹76 crore during a joint anti-narcotics operation. The operation, conducted on Sunday, July 20, involved the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and targeted smuggling activities along the Barak River.
According to an official statement released on Monday (July 21) by Assam Rifles, the seized contraband includes heroin concealed in 616 soap cases and 50,000 banned methamphetamine tablets. The drugs were being transported by boat—a method increasingly employed by smugglers in the region to evade checkpoints and road patrols.
Breakdown of the Seized Drugs
| Substance | Quantity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Heroin | 616 soap cases (~kg TBD) | ₹Cr (included in total) |
| Methamphetamine Tablets | 50,000 tablets | ₹Cr (included in total) |
| Total Estimated Value | ₹76 crore |
Security Forces Respond Swiftly to Intelligence Input
The recovery was made possible following a specific tip-off, highlighting the importance of community and cross-agency intelligence in the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating along Manipur’s sensitive border areas. The operation has been hailed as a “decisive blow” to smuggling syndicates that exploit the difficult terrain and porous international borders.
Former CM N. Biren Singh Commends Operation
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh lauded the Assam Rifles in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I commend the Assam Rifles for their decisive action in foiling major drug trafficking attempts in the region.”
He further urged paramilitary forces to continue the crackdown with increased intensity.
“With our border areas historically used as drug trafficking routes, continuous and intensified vigil is crucial to prevent new corridors from emerging.”
Separate Arrest of Two Militants for Extortion
In a separate development, two militants were arrested in Manipur in connection with extortion activities. Details regarding the militant group affiliation and the location of arrest were not immediately available, but sources indicate they were targeting local businesspersons and government employees.
Security analysts say these dual developments underscore the interconnected threats of narcotics and insurgency in the region—both often feeding off the same network of illegal logistics and finances.
Growing Concern Over Border Smuggling
Jiribam district’s proximity to international borders and remote waterways makes it a prime conduit for cross-border smuggling operations. The Barak River, in particular, has seen a surge in illegal trafficking activities, prompting agencies to step up riverine surveillance.
Officials suggest more coordinated operations are in the pipeline under the “War on Drugs” campaign, which has intensified in recent years.