Senapati (Manipur): Security forces in Manipur’s Senapati district have seized 15.35 kilograms of suspected opium hidden inside a vehicle displaying fake Indian Army credentials. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The arrested individual has been identified as Tarkeshwar Singh (45), a resident of Hijuguri Gaon in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
According to police, the seizure took place around 9 am during routine frisking and checking at the T Khellen check-post. The operation was carried out by a joint team comprising the Senapati Operation Team (SOT), CRPF units D-78 and B-109 QAT, and the 16 Assam Rifles, under the supervision of Senapati Superintendent of Police Zaib Shaikh.
Officials said the vehicle, bearing registration number AS23AK 5541, was intercepted after it was found moving without any escort, which raised suspicion among security personnel.
During inspection, officers discovered that the vehicle was fitted with a VIP flag post and marked with Army insignia, including a one-star Brigadier designation. Nameplates reading “ARMY” and “MINISTRY OF DEFENCE” were also found inside the vehicle.
However, police later confirmed that neither the vehicle nor the driver had any affiliation with the Indian Army. Authorities stated that the accused had allegedly used fake military identification to evade security checks.
Upon thorough search, security forces recovered 17 packets of suspected opium weighing approximately 15.35 kg from a concealed compartment under the rear right door of the vehicle.
Along with the narcotics, officials also seized the vehicle, its number plates, two mobile phones, ₹5,000 in cash, a PAN card, and a voter ID from the accused.
Police said the accused was arrested on the spot and the seizure was made in the presence of an executive magistrate. A case has been registered at Senapati police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further investigation is currently underway to determine the source and intended destination of the contraband.
