In a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence, security forces arrested two individuals on July 9, 2025, for allegedly transporting suspected brown sugar concealed in a modified chamber of a vehicle. The seizure took place near Tupul Bridge, along the route to Pongringlong Village in Kangpokpi district.
Acting on a tip-off received by New Keithelmanbi Police Station, a team led by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), assisted by personnel from Noney Police Station, 19 Assam Rifles, and several CRPF units, conducted a checkpoint operation under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi. Around 1:00 pm, a black Scorpio without a registration number was intercepted. The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi.
The occupants were identified as Ginminlen Haokip (24), of G Phalbung, Motbung in Kangpokpi District, and Holminlen Khongsai (29), of Khangbarol Village, Chandel District. Owing to the prevailing security situation, the duo was brought to Noney Police Station for further verification.
Police sources said that during questioning, Ginminlen Haokip initially denied carrying any contraband, but later revealed that suspected narcotics were concealed in a specially modified chamber in the roof of the vehicle. Executive Magistrate Shri Thuankimlak Newmai, SDC HQ Noney, was called to witness the search operation.
A detailed inspection in the presence of the magistrate and independent witnesses revealed 196 soap cases hidden in the roof lining. The items were suspected to contain brown sugar. The soap cases were categorised into four lots: Lot-1 (cases 1–49) weighed 548 grams, Lot-2 (50–98) 549 grams, Lot-3 (99–147) 545 grams, and Lot-4 (148–196) 551 grams—bringing the total weight to 2.193 kilograms, including the polythene packaging.
All legal procedures were carried out at Noney Police Station, and the seizure and weighing memos were signed by the magistrate, the accused, police personnel, and witnesses. Both Ginminlen Haokip and Holminlen Khongsai were formally arrested at 5:10 pm and 5:20 pm respectively.
Items seized include the black Scorpio SUV, a registration certificate and two number plates bearing the number MN01AG2064, two mobile phones with active SIM cards, and an Aadhaar card belonging to one of the accused.
Police confirmed that the case will be pursued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (ND&PS) Act before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Kangpokpi. The two accused have been remanded in police custody until July 22, 2025.