Imphal, Manipur: Manipur Police have arrested the proprietor of a pharmaceutical store in Imphal for his alleged involvement in an inter-state network linked to the illegal procurement and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup. Police identified the suspected key accused as Nongthombam Jamesjit alias Thoi, proprietor of Kangla Drugs & Surgical Pharmacy at Naoremthong Bazar. Investigators arrested him in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 6. Meanwhile, a series of operations in Manipur led to the seizure of 8,638 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
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Key Facts
- Location: Imphal, Manipur
- Main accused: Nongthombam Jamesjit alias Thoi
- Occupation: Proprietor of Kangla Drugs & Surgical Pharmacy
- Arrest: October 6 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Total seizure: 8,638 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup
- Drug: CHOCO+ cough syrup containing Codeine Phosphate
- Investigation: Alleged inter-state procurement and distribution network
Anti-Narcotics Operation Leads to Arrests
The investigation began on October 4 after security agencies received intelligence about the suspected illegal possession and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup in Imphal East.
A joint team involving the Anti-Narcotics Task Force/Imphal East, M&N Sector and Range Imphal QAT of the CRPF, CDO/Imphal East Unit and Youth Against Drug and Alcohol Manipur conducted searches in Ningthem Pukhri Mapal.
The team later carried out another search at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai. During the operation, police arrested three people for allegedly possessing cough syrup containing Codeine Phosphate.
Three Persons Arrested in Imphal
Police identified the arrested persons as John Longjam alias Mani, 41, from Sagolband Tera Khuraijam Leirak; Longjam Wanglen, 41, from Naoremthong Khulem Leikai; and Ningthoujam Henching, 29, from Singjamei Oinam Thingel.
Authorities seized 318 bottles of CHOCO+ cough syrup from the three suspects. Each bottle reportedly contained 10 mg of Codeine Phosphate.
In addition, investigators recovered a white Mahindra XUV, a blue TVS Jupiter scooter and three mobile phones during the operation.
Police subsequently registered a case at Porompat Police Station and began investigating the suspected supply chain.
Pharmaceutical Store Proprietor Arrested
During the investigation, police allegedly identified Nongthombam Jamesjit, who operates Kangla Drugs & Surgical Pharmacy, as a key suspect in the network.
Investigators traced him to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Police then arrested him late on October 6 and secured a four-day transit remand from the concerned court.
Authorities subsequently brought him to Manipur for further questioning as investigators continued to examine his alleged role in the case.
8,320 Bottles Recovered Near Riverbank
Meanwhile, investigators made a much larger recovery near the Oinam Thingel riverbank based on information allegedly provided by one of the accused arrested earlier.
A joint team of Manipur Police, central security forces and YADAM searched the area. During the search, the team recovered 52 boxes of CHOCO+ cough syrup.
Each box contained 160 bottles, taking the recovery from the riverbank to 8,320 bottles. Each bottle contained 10 mg of Codeine Phosphate.
With the latest seizure, authorities said the total quantity recovered in connection with the investigation has reached 8,638 bottles.
Investigation Into Inter-State Network Underway
Police are now examining the source of the pharmaceutical stock and its intended destinations. Investigators are also working to identify other people allegedly connected to the procurement and distribution network.
Furthermore, authorities are checking the role of the arrested suspects and examining evidence collected during the operations.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to conduct further searches and questioning as they trace the suspected inter-state supply chain.
What happened?
Manipur Police arrested a pharmaceutical store proprietor suspected of playing a key role in an alleged inter-state codeine cough syrup network and seized 8,638 bottles during multiple operations.
When was the main accused arrested?
Police arrested Nongthombam Jamesjit alias Thoi in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 6.
How much cough syrup was seized?
Authorities seized a total of 8,638 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup linked to the investigation.
Where did police recover the largest stock?
Police recovered 8,320 bottles from 52 boxes concealed near the Oinam Thingel riverbank.
Why is the case important for Manipur?
Manipur serves as an important gateway between Northeast India and neighbouring regions. Therefore, investigations into suspected inter-state pharmaceutical networks remain significant for controlling the illegal circulation of codeine-based drugs in the region.