IMPHAL, May 1: The Assam Rifles have apprehended two alleged smugglers and seized a massive consignment of banned drugs weighing around 35.41 kilograms, valued at approximately Rs 9 crores, in a significant operation in Manipur’s Chandel district.

The operation, carried out within the past 24 hours, also led to the seizure of Rs 2.6 lakh in unaccounted cash and two four-wheelers believed to be used in the illicit trade.

According to the Assam Rifles under the Headquarters Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR South), the contraband was smuggled into Manipur from Myanmar through the porous Manipur-Myanmar border.

Acting on intelligence reports regarding the movement of suspicious vehicles from Moreh towards Churachandpur, the troopers launched a targeted operation on April 29, 2025. The operation was conducted along the T Bongmol, New Songyang axis, and Yangoubung in Chandel district.

As part of the mission, the troops established Multiple Military Vehicle Check Posts (MVCPs) at T Bongmol Junction, New Songyang axis, and Yangoubung to intercept the suspects.

During the operation, the team intercepted two private vehicles at the Yangoubung Private Vehicle Check Post. Upon inspection, they recovered Rs 2.6 lakh in unaccounted cash and 30 packets (approximately 3 lakh tablets) of banned ‘World is Yours’ (WY) drugs, collectively valued at around Rs 9 crore.

Following the seizure, the troops apprehended two individuals identified as Paojathang Kipgen (30) and Kamminlun Kipgen (24), both residents of Govajang village under Moreh Police Station, Tengnoupal District.

In addition to the drugs and cash, the security personnel also seized a Bolero vehicle (registration number AS 32/9471), a Hyundai Creta (registration number DL 5N 2021), and some incriminating documents.

Reports added that the Assam Rifles team handed over the apprehended individuals, along with the seized vehicles, contraband, and documents, to Moreh Police Station for further legal action.