The constable, Md Wahidur Rahman, was caught with 544 drug capsules; police vow strict action under zero-tolerance policy. The arrests follow earlier suspensions of five policemen accused of aiding drug traffickers along the Indo-Myanmar route.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, October 12: A Manipur Police constable was among three people arrested in separate anti-narcotics operations across the state, during which 3 kg of heroin, psychotropic drugs, and nearly ₹9.6 lakh in cash were recovered, officials said on Sunday.
The constable, identified as Md. Wahidur Rahman (43), was apprehended in Imphal West district on Friday with 544 capsules of the pharmaceutical drug Semplex+ in his possession. Police said disciplinary proceedings and a criminal case have been initiated against him.
“Manipur Police reiterates its firm stance against erring members found indulging in any illegal activities related to drugs. Besides departmental action, FIRs incorporating criminal charges are mandatorily filed against such offenders,” a police statement said.
In another operation, security forces arrested Md. Khursid Alam (21) of Lilong Litan Makhong in Thoubal district and Md. Akbar (37) of Khergao Awang Leikai in Imphal East district. The duo were caught with approximately 3 kg of heroin, eight bottles of Tussrex-TR syrup, and ₹9.57 lakh in drug sale proceeds, police said. Officers also recovered a country-made gun, two cartridges, a Hyundai Creta car, and four mobile phones from their possession.
String of Police Involvement in Drug Cases
The latest arrests come amid mounting scrutiny of police involvement in Manipur’s narcotics trade. In August this year, five police personnel — including an officer from the Imphal East Commando Unit — were suspended after allegedly detaining drug peddlers on the Indo-Myanmar route (NH-102) and then releasing them in exchange for a ₹6 lakh bribe.
Those suspended included Inspector Ningthoujam Devdas Singh, Sub-Inspector B. Debson Singh, Constable Tarique Aziz, Head Constable Md. Rakib, and Jemadar Md. Amin Shah of the 7th Manipur Rifles. The suspensions followed an internal probe that cited “grave misconduct” and “dereliction of duty.”
Earlier, in January 2023, five police personnel were arrested for transporting narcotics from Moreh to Imphal using a police vehicle — a case that sent shockwaves through the state. The seizure included heroin and Yaba tablets, raising serious concerns about drug trafficking networks operating under official protection.
Similarly, in Kakching district, a team of commandos was apprehended with Heroin No. 4 powder and “WY” tablets. The consignment, found in a police Gypsy, led to multiple suspensions and the tightening of departmental checks within the force.
READ: Enjoying American Holidays, Rahul Gandhi Forgets He’s LoP, Not a Diplomat
Manipur’s Growing Drug Challenge
Manipur, sharing a porous border with Myanmar — a key part of the “Golden Triangle” drug corridor — continues to battle rampant narcotics trafficking. Police and paramilitary forces frequently seize heroin, methamphetamine tablets, and poppy-based products transported through the state’s hill routes.
Despite multiple crackdowns and large seizures — including 10.5 kg of heroin worth over ₹21 crore seized in March 2025 — the recurring involvement of police personnel has raised questions about corruption and the credibility of enforcement operations.
