Manipur: Woman Arrested with Heroin Worth Lakhs in Bishnupur

The Anti-Drug Squad of Manipur Police apprehended a 36-year-old woman for allegedly possessing heroin during a targeted raid at Phougakchao Ikhai bazar in Bishnupur district.

Officials stated that based on specific inputs, the squad conducted a surprise operation in the market area under the jurisdiction of Phougakchao Ikhai police station.

During the raid, they detained a suspect, later identified as Farida Begum, a resident of Ward No. 1, Terakhongshangbi Gram Panchayat, Bishnupur district.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 10 soap cases containing 153 grams of heroin and a mobile phone in her possession, police stated.

Begum has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act, 2023, and further legal proceedings are underway.

However, police are investigating the exact value and further Begum's association with the drug smuggling racket.

Reports suggest that the heroin may be worth around Rs 12 lakh in the international grey market. In the international market, a kilo of heroin is said to be worth Rs 70 lakh and higher, depending on its quality.

It may be mentioned that heroin is a highly addictive, illegal opioid drug derived from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, including India and the United States, due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. Heroin is typically sold on the illicit market as a white or brown powder, or as a sticky black substance known as "black tar heroin".