Imphal, July 13: A joint team of Manipur Police and CRPF seized a large quantity of suspected brown sugar concealed in a modified vehicle during an operation at Tupul Bridge on Wednesday, which connects Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, police said on Sunday.
Acting on a reliable tip-off, a coordinated operation was launched by personnel of New Keithelmanbi Police Station, Noney Police Station, 19 Assam Rifles, and CRPF companies F/86, G/86, C/30, and G/167. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, the police also said.
In the afternoon of that day, a black Mahindra Scorpio without a registration number was intercepted near Tupul Bridge, towards Pongringlong village, approximately 28 km west of New Keithelmanbi Police Station. The vehicle was reportedly transporting contraband substances from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi, the police also said.
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Upon verification, the occupants identified themselves as Holminlen Khongsai, 29, and Ginminlen Haokip, 24, son of Semkhohen Haokip. In view of the prevailing law and order situation, both individuals were taken to Noney Police Station for further interrogation.
Initially, Ginminlen Haokip denied carrying any illegal substances but later admitted that suspected contraband was concealed in a specially modified rooftop chamber of the Scorpio. Sub-Divisional Collector Thuankimlak Newmai of Noney headquarters was requisitioned as Executive Magistrate to witness the search.
During the search, conducted in the presence of the magistrate and independent witnesses, a concealed chamber was discovered in the vehicle’s ceiling. Using an electric cutter, police uncovered multiple soap cases hidden inside. Upon opening, the contents were suspected to be brown sugar, the police also said.
In total, 196 soap cases were recovered from the hidden compartment. The combined weight of the suspected contraband was 2.193 kilograms, including the polythene packaging but excluding the soap cases themselves, the police added.
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After completing all legal formalities, including preparation of the extraction, weighing, and seizure memos, Ginminlen Haokip and Holminlen Khongsai were formally arrested at 5:10 pm and 5:20 pm respectively on the day at the Noney Police Station campus.
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Items seized during the operation included the 196 soap cases containing the suspected narcotic, the black Scorpio vehicle with one key, a registration certificate, two number plates with the same registration number, and an Aadhaar card belonging to Ginminlen Haokip.
The arrested individuals, along with the seized items, have been handed over to the concerned authorities for further legal action.
(Newmai News Network)