Major hauls occurred in Imphal East’s Mantripukhri, Noney district, and border areas like Jiribam, exposing the scale of black-market alcohol networks despite partial relaxation of prohibition laws.
BY PC Bureau
July 28, 2025 – In a sustained crackdown against illegal liquor smuggling and black-market trade, Manipur Police—assisted by the Assam Rifles—have seized over 48,000 bottles of illicit alcohol across the state in the past month. The intensified operations, conducted between June 28 and July 28, highlight the persistent challenge of enforcing prohibition laws in Manipur, where partial relaxation of the liquor ban was introduced in 2022.
On July 26, police conducted a major raid in the Mantripukhri area under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district. Two individuals—Thangjam Arbin Singh (28) of Sagolband Thangjam Leikai, Imphal West, and Keisham Santa Meetei (40) of Kangsoibi Mapal, Bishnupur—were apprehended.
Authorities confiscated 16,073 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) of various brands, valued at approximately Rs. 55 lakh. The operation is one of the largest seizures in recent weeks, and a case has been registered. Investigations are ongoing to identify the origin and intended destination of the consignment.
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Earlier, on July 22, a joint operation along NH-37 near Awangkhul in Noney district intercepted a massive consignment of IMFL and beer. The haul included 1,429 cases—amounting to over 32,000 bottles and cans—with an estimated value of Rs. 1 crore.
Two persons, Ayekpam Sanouton Singh (35) of Tera Lukram Leirak, Imphal West, and Yumnam Surjit Singh (37) of Kamaranga Maning Leikai, Imphal East, were arrested. The seized alcohol has been handed over to the Excise Department for further inquiry. Officials are investigating whether the consignment was meant for local circulation or cross-border smuggling into Myanmar.
On 26.07.2025, Manipur Police apprehended 02 (two) individuals from Mantripukhri area under Heingang-PS, Imphal East district:
(i)Thangjam Arbin Singh (28) of Sagolband Thangjam Leikai, Imphal West district and
(ii)Keisham Santa Meetei (40) of Kangsoibi Mapal, Bishnupur… pic.twitter.com/FGIpSfWzx5— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 27, 2025
Smaller Seizures Highlight Urban Black Market
On July 20, police targeted illegal sales at Mantripukhri Bazar, also under Heingang PS. The raid led to the seizure of 16 bottles of premium IMFL, including:
- 2 bottles of Sterling Reserve whiskey
- 11 bottles of Magic Moments vodka
- 3 bottles of McDowell’s whiskey
Although no arrests were made, the bust underscores the availability of premium liquor near government institutions—often sold at inflated prices, revealing a thriving black market within the capital.
Border Bust at Jiribam
On June 19, security forces seized over 250 bottles of IMFL at the Manipur–Assam border in Jiribam district. Brands included Gentlemen Club, Iconic White, McDowell’s, Sterling Reserve, Oppa, Vintage, Kusum beer, Corona Extra, Kingfisher, and Old Monk. One person was arrested, though authorities have not yet disclosed their identity. The operation once again illustrates the role of border districts as major entry points for liquor smuggled from neighboring states like Assam and Meghalaya.
Legal Context and Enforcement Challenges
Manipur has enforced the Liquor Prohibition Act since 1991, allowing exemptions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to brew liquor for personal and ceremonial use. In September 2022, the government partially lifted the ban, permitting licensed sales in district headquarters and export of traditionally brewed local liquor.
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Despite this relaxation, illegal trade continues to flourish—fueled by demand, high prices, and Manipur’s porous border with Myanmar. Officials believe some smuggling operations may also be linked to broader criminal activities, including arms and drug trafficking.
The surge in seizures comes in the wake of President’s Rule imposed on February 13, 2025, amid prolonged ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This fragile law-and-order situation presents additional obstacles to enforcement efforts.
Manipur Police have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling illegal liquor networks. All confiscated liquor has been transferred to the Excise Department, and investigations are underway to map out supply chains and distribution routes.
As Manipur continues to face complex governance and security challenges, the recent wave of seizures sends a clear message: law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to tackle the illegal liquor trade and restore public order.
Liquor Seizures in Manipur (Past 1 Month)
Period: June 28 – July 28, 2025
| Date | Location | Seizure Details | Approx. Value | Arrests |
| July 26 | Mantripukhri, Imphal East | 16,073 bottles of IMFL (assorted brands) | ₹55 lakh | 2 (Thangjam Arbin & Keisham Santa) |
| July 22 | NH-37, Awangkhul, Noney | 1,429 cases (~32,000 bottles/cans) of IMFL and beer | ₹1 crore | 2 (Ayekpam Sanouton & Yumnam Surjit) |
| July 20 | Mantripukhri Bazar, Imphal | 16 premium IMFL bottles (Sterling Reserve, Vodka, etc.) | Not estimated | None reported |
| June 19 | Jiribam (Manipur-Assam border) | 250+ bottles (IMFL + beer: Old Monk, Kingfisher, etc.) | Not estimated | 1 (Identity not disclosed) |
Total Estimated Seizures:
➡️ 48,000+ bottles/cans of illicit liquor seized
