Imphal: In a significant crackdown against drug trafficking, security agencies have seized 4.09 kilograms of suspected heroin at Imphal Airport from the baggage of two passengers scheduled to travel to Kolkata. The recovery was made by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from specially engineered false-bottom compartments in their luggage, exposing a sophisticated concealment method used by smugglers.
Contraband Hidden In False-Bottom Bags
According to officials, the contraband was divided between two bags, with one containing 2.05 kg and the other 2.04 kg of the suspected narcotic substance. The estimated street value of the seized consignment is around ₹5 crore, highlighting the scale of the attempted trafficking operation.
Sources said the operation began after CISF personnel noticed suspicious behavior from one of the passengers during routine security checks on Friday morning around 11 am. The individual repeatedly attempted to avoid baggage screening and cited urgency to board his flight. His conduct prompted security personnel to intensify inspection protocols.
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X-BIS Scan Reveals Concealed Compartments
Following suspicion, the baggage was directed through the X-BIS screening system installed at the airport. The scan revealed irregular structural patterns inside the bags, prompting a detailed physical examination. During inspection, officials discovered specially fabricated concealed compartments at the bottom of both bags, where the suspected heroin had been hidden.
After the recovery, both passengers were immediately separated and interrogated by security officials. During questioning, one of the individuals reportedly stated that one of the bags belonged to the other passenger, who was also scheduled to board the same flight to Kolkata. Acting swiftly, CISF intelligence teams traced the second passenger within the security holding area and detained him for questioning.
Passengers Handed Over To Police
Subsequently, both individuals were taken into custody and handed over to Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West for further investigation. Authorities have registered a case and seized the narcotics along with related documents as part of the ongoing probe.
Preliminary findings suggest that the smugglers had used highly sophisticated concealment techniques, indicating prior planning and awareness of airport security systems. Investigators believe the case may not be limited to local trafficking activity but could be linked to a wider international drug smuggling network operating through transit routes in the region.
Network Links Under Investigation
Agencies are now working to trace the origin of the consignment and identify its intended destination. Investigators are also analyzing mobile phones, travel records, and communication data of the accused to uncover possible links to larger syndicates.
Security officials noted that airports in the northeastern region are often used as transit points for cross-border narcotics trafficking due to their strategic location. The current seizure is being viewed as a major success in disrupting such networks.
Authorities have intensified monitoring and surveillance measures following the incident, and further arrests are not ruled out as the investigation progresses. Officials expect more details to emerge as forensic analysis and interrogation continue in the coming days.
