A major drug seizure worth nearly ₹50 crore occurred in Manipur on May 3 on the anniversary of its ethnic strife, raising concerns about the exploitation of instability for illegal activities. The arrest and confiscation point to the ongoing battle against narcotics in the troubled state.”
BY PC Bureau
May 4: The Manipur police seized suspected brown sugar worth an estimated ₹48.7 crore in the international market on the second anniversary of the state’s devastating ethnic violence on May 3. The Police announced the arrest of Thianmuansiam Samte (32) from Gamgpimual village, Churachandpur district, in connection with the seizure.
The operation led to the recovery of 5.016 kilograms of suspected brown sugar concealed within 418 soap cases. Along with the narcotics, police also confiscated one four-wheeler and one mobile phone from the arrested individual.
Reacting to the drug bust on a post on X, former Chief Minister Biresn Singh said, “Well done, Churachandpur Police. Saving us from illegal drugs is saving our future.”
On 03.05.2025, security forces arrested one individual, namely, Thianmuansiam Samte (32) of Gamgpimual village, Churachandpur District and seized the following items from his possession:
i.418(four hundred and eighteen) nos. of soap cases containing suspected brown sugar (5.016… pic.twitter.com/ug6mrVIrRm— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 3, 2025
This major drug bust occurs against a backdrop of a deep-rooted drug menace in Manipur. Situated along the notorious “Golden Triangle,” the state has long been a transit point for illicit substances, with a growing problem of local consumption. The illegal drug trade has been linked to a rise in organized crime, corruption, and is suspected to fuel the very insurgent activities that contribute to the state’s instability and ethnic tensions. Profits from this illicit trade are believed to finance various unlawful groups operating in the region.
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The problem is not isolated to Manipur. Recent drug seizures in neighboring Guwahati and arrest of Meitei person underscore the widespread nature of the narcotics network operating across the Northeast.
The timing of this substantial drug seizure on the anniversary of the Manipur violence is particularly poignant. It highlights how the ongoing instability and the disruption of normal governance can inadvertently create opportunities for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, to flourish.
Despite the immense challenges posed by the ethnic conflict, the Manipur Police’s success in this operation demonstrates their continued commitment to combating the drug menace. However, the sheer scale of the seizure underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the security situation and the underlying issues that contribute to the drug trade.
This includes strengthening law enforcement, implementing effective border control measures, providing rehabilitation and awareness programs, and fostering economic opportunities to offer alternatives to drug-related activities. The fight against both the violence and the drug menace will be crucial for the long-term peace and stability of Manipur.
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