The operations come amid ongoing tensions and allegations by different civil society groups over the role of various communities in Manipur’s drug trade. The arrests showed the narcotics network cuts across regions and communities, requiring sustained and coordinated action.
BY PC Bureau
May 2, 2026: Amid sustained allegations by sections of Meitei and Naga civil society organisations linkingmajor parts of the Kuki-Zo population to narcotics activity, security forces and Manipur Police carried out separate anti-narcotics operations in Senapati and Imphal East districts, seizing over 700 grams of suspected heroin and arresting two individuals. Senapati is a Naga-dominated district, while Imphal East is largely Meitei-populated.
While poppy cultivation is largely concentrated in the hill areas of Manipur, the illegal drug trade cuts across communities, with cases over time pointing to involvement from multiple sections of society. Although a significant number of those arrested in connection with poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have been from the Kuki-Zo community, instances involving individuals from Meitei and Naga groups have also been reported.
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In the first operation on May 1, security forces arrested Manglenthang Tuboi (25), a resident of Saikul Bazar, from the Kabinam area under Maram Police Station in Senapati district.
During the operation, 551 grams of suspected heroin were seized from his possession. A four-wheeler and a mobile phone were also recovered in connection with the case.
On 01.05.2026, security forces arrested one Manglenthang Tuboi (25) of Saikul bazar from Kabinam under Maram-PS, Senapati district.
551 gm of suspected heroin, a four-wheeler and a mobile phone were seized from him. pic.twitter.com/XdFdeqVGXs— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 1, 2026
In a separate operation on April 30, Manipur Police arrested Md. Anish Khan (28), a resident of Kairang Khumidok Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district, from Sajiwa Jail Road at Khabeisoi under Lamlai Police Station.
Police recovered three soap cases containing suspected heroin powder weighing 154 grams from his possession.
Following further investigation, police conducted a search on May 1 at the residence of Thounaojam Dilip Kumar in Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek, where eight additional soap cases containing suspected heroin powder were recovered. Thounaojam Dilip Kumar is a Meitei while Manglenthang Tuboi is a naga.
