Security forces seized brown sugar, Yaba tablets and illegal firearms in joint operations across Assam and Manipur, apprehending nine people and disrupting suspected narcotics, arms and extortion networks linked to insurgent activities in the Northeast.
Security forces have intensified their crackdown on narcotics trafficking and illegal arms networks in Assam and Manipur, with joint operations resulting in the seizure of drugs and firearms and the apprehension of several suspected offenders.
Assam Rifles units operating under the Army’s Spear Corps, in coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police, conducted intelligence-based operations in Jiribam district of Manipur and Sribhumi district of Assam on Friday.
During the operations, security forces seized 10.891 kg of brown sugar, estimated to be worth nearly Rs 80 crore. The forces also recovered around 14,000 Yaba or methamphetamine tablets, valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore. Six people were apprehended in connection with the narcotics seizures.
The Spear Corps said the successful operations highlighted the effectiveness of coordination among various security and law enforcement agencies in tackling organised drug trafficking in the Northeast.
“The successful operations underscore the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and the unwavering resolve of Assam Rifles to disrupt narcotics networks, deny illicit trafficking routes and safeguard the North-eastern states from the menace of drugs,” the Spear Corps said in a post on social media platform X.
In a separate intelligence-based operation, Assam Rifles personnel, together with the Manipur Police, recovered six firearms in Imphal East district of Manipur.
Follow-up operations at Keishampat and Charangpat led to the apprehension of three active cadres of the United National Liberation Front (Kangleipak), or UNLF (K), who were allegedly involved in an extortion network. According to the Army, the coordinated operations were aimed at dismantling an illegal arms and extortion racket operating in Manipur.
The seizures come amid continued security challenges in Manipur, where ethnic violence since May 2023 has claimed 306 lives, according to the state government. Against this backdrop, Assam Rifles has been assisting the state police in efforts to recover illegal weapons and disrupt networks involved in criminal and insurgent activities.
A senior security official said several insurgent groups that had suffered setbacks during Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism operations over the years were attempting to regroup through extortion and recruitment. Narcotics trafficking from across the border was also allegedly providing financial support to such activities.
Although the Army and Assam Rifles are not directly responsible for maintaining law and order in Manipur, officials said narcotics smuggling remains a significant security concern because of its links with insurgency and organised criminal networks.
According to officials, drugs such as brown sugar and Yaba are sourced from Myanmar, where insurgent groups operating in the Northeastern states maintain camps. The trafficking routes are therefore being closely monitored by security agencies.
The operations are also being carried out in line with the government’s broader focus on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with agencies directed to maintain heightened surveillance in states vulnerable to drug trafficking.
Officials stressed that controlling the flow of narcotics and illegal weapons is essential for restoring peace and stability in Manipur. They said drug trafficking and the circulation of illegal firearms are closely connected to the security situation and continue to pose risks to communities.
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Security forces also expressed concern over the impact of drug trafficking on young people in the Northeast, with vulnerable youth allegedly being attracted by promises of quick and lucrative earnings.
The Army and Assam Rifles are expected to continue supporting civil authorities in operations against narcotics trafficking, illegal arms networks and other activities contributing to instability across the Northeastern states.
