Brown sugar worth crores seized in Manipur; 9 arrested

IMPHAL — Security forces have seized more than three kilograms of brown sugar and arrested nine persons during two separate search operations in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Senapati districts, police said on Thursday night.

In the first operation, five persons were arrested at Tadubi check-post under Tadubi Police Station in Senapati district on Wednesday. The accused were identified as Azhani Amos (35), Pave Peter (25), and Trioa Sabastian, all from Tunggam village; Phokrehri of Makhan village; and K. Athini Sarah (43) of Makhrelui village in Senapati district.

Police said 2.057 kg of brown sugar was recovered from their possession, along with two Nagaland-registered white Gypsy vehicles and eight mobile phones. Following further investigation, one Kimneilam Haokip of Kangpokpi was also arrested for her involvement in smuggling the contraband.

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In the second operation, four persons were arrested from Lamzang area under Churachandpur Police Station on the same day. They were identified as Thansangliuan Guite (35) of Lamzang, Genliansang Vaiphei (44) of Tangnuam, and Doukhanial Thangsing (33) and Doukhanial Thangsing (30), both from Suangdai village in Mualnuam subdivision of Churachandpur.

From their possession, police seized 1.5 kg of brown sugar packed in 122 soap cases, a Maruti Alto car, a TVS N-Torq two-wheeler, and five mobile phones.

This follows another major recovery on August 30, when security forces seized more than two kilograms of brown sugar from one Paogoulal Touthang (22) of T Gamnom village, Kangpokpi district. He was arrested from Hengbung Police Outpost under Senapati Police Station.