Officials described the drug bust in Imphal East as a significant haul, indicating possible links to a larger supply chain rather than isolated possession.
BY PC Bureau
May 2, 2026: Manipur Police on Saturday arrested a 46-year-old woman and seized 5.56 kg of opium in Imphal East district, marking the latest in a series of anti-narcotics operations across the state.
The accused, identified as Takhellambam Soniya Chanu of Kwatha, was apprehended at a mobile check post under Andro Police Station. A mobile phone was also recovered from her possession, police said.
The seizure comes days after multiple heroin busts in Senapati and Imphal East districts, underscoring intensified enforcement against drug trafficking networks operating across both hill and valley regions.
On 02.05.2026, security forces recovered from Henjang Village area under Thoubal Dam-PS, Imphal East district, the following:
i.IED weighing approximately 9 kgs,
ii.01 (one) 12 Bore rifle and
iii.05 (five) live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. pic.twitter.com/uRBKGs0HZi— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 2, 2026
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On May 2, 2026, security forces also recovered a cache of explosives and arms from the Henjang village area under Thoubal Dam Police Station in Imphal East district. The items seized included an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing approximately 9 kg, one 12-bore rifle, and five live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
Between April 30 and May 1, security forces and Manipur Police seized over 700 grams of suspected heroin in coordinated operations. In Senapati district, a 25-year-old man was arrested with 551 grams of suspected heroin, along with a vehicle and a mobile phone.
In a separate operation in Imphal East, police arrested another individual and recovered 154 grams of suspected heroin concealed in soap cases. A follow-up search at a local residence led to the recovery of additional contraband, indicating the presence of local storage or distribution links.
Officials said investigations in all cases are ongoing, with a focus on uncovering possible inter-state and cross-border networks, particularly those linked to Myanmar.
Law enforcement agencies maintain that the drug trade in Manipur spans regions and communities, even as competing narratives continue over its origins and drivers. While poppy cultivation is largely concentrated in hill areas, trafficking and processing networks are known to operate across districts.
The latest seizures reflect sustained pressure by police and security forces under the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, with more arrests and disclosures expected as investigations progress.
