Imphal: Turning a new phase in the ‘war against drugs’, Narcotic authorities seized a vehicle belonging to MLA Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar Singh along with 34 kg of opium here on Wednesday.
L Jayantakumar, a former minister of health, family welfare, law and legislative, art and culture in the N Biren Singh led coalition government, is a NPP candidate from Keishamthong constituency in the ensuing 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election.
The NPP candidate, in the election affidavit, mentioned zero criminal cases registered against him.
Officials said that the opium drugs were found in a vehicle while a team of Narcotic sleuths conducted a random and surprise frisking and checking along the Ukhrul road on Wednesday afternoon as a part of ongoing drive against trafficking of illicit drugs and other contraband items during the State Assembly election 2022.
One vehicle (Toyota Fortuner) bearing registration number MN 06 LA 3456 with flag post without any escort was coming at Lamlai area in a suspicious manner from Ukhrul side. When the Narcotic sleuths signalled to stop, instead of stopping it sped away, they said. The NAB team then chased the vehicle and was finally intercepted at Khurai Ningthoubung.
The driver was identified as Salam Khogen Singh (36 years), son of S. Bobi Singh, resident of Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai, Imphal East. On checking the vehicle 34 packets (34 kgs approx) of suspected opium (kani) was found in the back of the vehicle in two bags.
The vehicle (Toyota Fortuner) was found registered in the name of Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar Singh, son of L. Bhagyachandra Singh of Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, Imphal West district.
On spot verification the driver, Salam Khogen Singh stated that he is an inter-state drug trafficker and he indulged in trafficking of illicit drugs several times before. He further stated that today early in the morning he took the packets of opium from a person from Molnom And Songphel Hill Range area and came towards Imphal to handover to another agent to be sent by his associate in Guwahati.
A case is registered at NAB PS for investigation.