Manipur: Chinese-origin mortars, 80-kg rocket and Rs 3.25 crore drugs seized in security operations

Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition including four Chineseorigin 82 mm mortars and an approximately 80kg rocket along with 1147 kg of banned methamphetamine tablets in separate operations across Manipur in the past 24 hours police said on ThursdayThe recoveries were made during separate operations in Churachandpur Bishnupur and Kangpokpi districts with security personnel also arresting two suspected drug traffickers in connection with an alleged interstate narcotics network news agency IANS reportedA police official said Central and state security forces recovered the arms and ammunition including four Chineseorigin 82 mm mortars and a rocket measuring approximately 10 feet in length and weighing around 80 kg during two separate operations in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districtsThe recovery of the Chineseorigin mortars and the rocket was made during a joint operation by district police and the Army in a forested area near P Geljang village under Kangvai subdivision on WednesdayThe other weapons and ammunition seized during the operations included three countrymade guns with two magazines one pistol without a magazine three singlebarrel rifles five Chinese grenades and 30 mortar bombs of different calibres 82 mm and 51 mmSecurity personnel also recovered seven improvised explosive devices IEDs weighing between 2 kg and 4 kg five rounds of 56 mm ammunition one countrymade MP5 with a magazine one countrymade mortar three hand grenades one highexplosive HE bomb other explosive devices and miscellaneous items1147 kg of methamphetamine tablets seizedIn a separate operation security forces seized approximately 1147 kg of banned methamphetamine tablets along with packaging materials at Sapermeina in Kangpokpi districtAccording to the police official security agencies had received reliable intelligence inputs about the transportation of drugs from Imphal to Mao in Senapati district which borders Nagaland Acting on the information a joint team comprising Manipur Police Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF launched an operation to intercept a passenger busA thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the methamphetamine tablets whose estimated value is Rs 325 croreThe joint team arrested a suspected drug peddler identified as Md Karim Khan 27 alias Achouba a resident of Lilong Turel Ahanbi in Thoubal districtDuring preliminary questioning investigators received information about the alleged involvement of a suspected buyer based in Assam Acting on the inputs another joint team comprising Kangpokpi district police personnel CRPF and Assam Rifles with assistance from Assam Police arrested Abdul Khalique 40 a resident of Dhansari in Assams Darrang district in connection with the caseFurther investigation is underway to establish the extent of the alleged interstate drug trafficking network and identify others involved in the illegal tradeSecurity operations continue across ManipurMeanwhile Central and state security forces continue to conduct extensive operations against militants and other unlawful activities across ManipurSearch operations and area domination exercises are underway in fringe mixedpopulated and vulnerable areas across various districts to maintain security and prevent the movement of armed groupsAs part of the intensified security measures a total of 116 nakas checkpoints have been established across the state covering both valley and hill districts The checks are aimed at curbing the illegal movement of inimical elements and suspicious vehiclesSecurity forces are also providing escorts to vehicles including trucks transporting essential commodities along the ImphalJiribam National Highway NH37 to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of goods and passengersWith IANS inputs