IMPHAL, June 25: In a major breakthrough, Manipur Police successfully dismantled an interstate arms smuggling racket operating in and around the Imphal region. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a coordinated operation was carried out on June 24, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a substantial cache of illegal firearms and communication devices.

The arrested persons have been identified as Sinam Somendro Metei (43), alias Pankhei and Richards, a resident of Thangmeiband, Imphal West and a reported cadre of the proscribed outfit UNLF (P); Lanchemba Nongthomba (24) of Nongmeibung Ayangpalli, Imphal East; RK Abothe Singh (33), alias Rohit of Singjamei Chirom Leikai, Imphal West; and Bishwanath Thokchom (21) from Kongpal Mutum Leikai, Imphal East.

During the crackdown, police recovered a diverse range of sophisticated arms, including:

Two Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistols with three magazines and 34 rounds, One Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol with a magazine and 15 rounds, One Glock 19 pistol with two magazines and 28 rounds, One JD Taurus 7.65 mm pistol with a magazine and eight rounds, One Falcon Cal 7.62 mm pistol with a magazine and nine rounds, One M-20 Falcon pistol with a magazine, One Keltec .32 mm pistol with two magazines and 15 rounds, One Beretta pistol with a magazine and two rounds, One Glock .32 pistol with a magazine and 159 live rounds of .32 mm ammunition.

In addition to the weapons, police also seized three mobile phones and four wireless handsets used for communication and coordination among operatives.

Authorities believe the syndicate was engaged in supplying illegal firearms to various subversive and criminal elements within and outside Manipur.