In a major anti-narcotics operation, a joint team of Manipur Police and CRPF on Wednesday intercepted a four-wheeler at Tupul Bridge en route from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi and seized 196 soap cases containing suspected heroin or brown sugar weighing 2.193 kg (excluding packaging), officials said on Thursday.

The two occupants of the vehicle — Ginminlen Haokip (24) of G. Phaibung, Motbung, Kangpokpi, and Holminlen Khongsai (30) of Khangbarol village, Chandel — were arrested on the spot. Authorities have launched further investigation into the case.

In a separate incident on Monday, two individuals were apprehended at the Mao Gate police check post in Senapati district for possession of contraband ganja. The arrested were identified as Ajmir Sarif (19) and Iliyas Ali Shah alias Patu (19), both residents of Lilong Chingkham in Thoubal district.

During the search, security forces recovered 18 plastic packets of ganja weighing approximately 22 kilograms, valued at around ₹2.18 lakh. A white Winger van (registration number AS 23CC-1074), used to transport the contraband, was also seized.

Both cases are under investigation, as authorities continue to tighten the crackdown on drug trafficking across the state.