Police said investigations are underway to trace the source of the contraband and dismantle the larger trafficking networks operating in the region.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, May 24, 2026: In an anti-narcotics operation, the Manipur Police seized a massive quantity of opium seeds and arrested Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34), a resident of Thamnapokpi in Tengnoupal district, from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along National Highway-102.
During the operation on May 23, police recovered 189.05 kg of opium seeds from his possession. Officers also seized the vehicle he was travelling in — a Maruti A-Star bearing registration number MN06LB-1903.
Police believe the seizure is a significant blow to narcotics trafficking networks operating in the region, as opium seeds are often linked to the production and illegal distribution of narcotic substances.
In another operation carried out on May 22, 2026, Manipur Police intercepted a Maruti Ignis vehicle (registration number MZ01AD-5474) at a temporary motor vehicle check post set up at Suangdoh village under Singnat Police Station in Churachandpur district.
On 23.05.2026, Manipur Police arrested one Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) of Thamnapokpi, Tengnoupal from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along NH-102.
From his possession, 189.05 kgs of opium seeds and a four-wheeler A-Star (MN06LB-1903) were seized. pic.twitter.com/X5CtWKDciL— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 23, 2026
The occupant of the vehicle, identified as Siamkhansuan Samte (44), a resident of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka, Churachandpur district, was arrested on the spot.
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During the search, police seized:
• 33 soap cases containing suspected brown sugar
• 40,000 WY tablets weighing approximately 3.8 kg
• The intercepted Maruti Ignis vehicle
• One mobile phone
Officials said the seized brown sugar and WY tablets — a synthetic drug widely abused in the region — were substantial enough to potentially flood local illegal drug markets.
Investigation Underway
Both accused have been taken into custody and cases have been registered under the NDPS Act. Police sources said further investigation and interrogation are underway to trace the origin of the contraband and identify the wider network involved in trafficking narcotics into Manipur.
Manipur has witnessed intensified anti-drug drives in recent months, with state police and security forces increasing surveillance and vehicle checks along highways and border routes to curb the inflow of narcotics from the Golden Triangle region.
The back-to-back seizures underscore the continued efforts of Manipur Police to combat the growing drug menace, which remains a major threat to public health and law and order in the state.
