Manipur: 91 bottles of psychotropic cough syrup seized, 1 arrested

Imphal: After the tragic deaths of infants in Madhya Pradesh linked to a toxic cough syrup, raids have been intensified across India.

In one such operation, a 26-year-old man has been arrested and 91 bottles of a psychotropic cough syrup has been seized from his possession in Manipur’s Imphal East district, police said on Thursday.

The alleged drug peddler, identified as Sagomsungpham Sohail, was apprehended from his residential locality of Khomidok Mayai Leikai on Wednesday, PTI reported.

"91 bottles of psychotropic 'TUSSEREX-TR' cough syrup, along with cash of Rs 12,780, were seized from his possession," police said in a statement.

Manipur security forces have intercepted a substantial quantity of narcotics in a series of operations across three districts

In another operation, authorities arrested 51-year-old Md Muhammad Iboyai from Borayangbi Mayai Leikai in Moirang sub-division, Bishnupur district, on October 23. The arrest took place outside the Tengnoupal police station. A large packet of WY tablets, a two-wheeler with registration documents, a mobile phone, and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him.

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Meanwhile, on October 22, police detained 54-year-old Md Bogimayum Khommei from Paobitek Maning Leikai, Wangoi sub-division, in Imphal West district. He was apprehended near Martyrs Park along National Highway 2, under Mao police station jurisdiction in Senapati district. Authorities confiscated nine soap cases containing 119 grams of brown sugar, along with a mobile phone, identification documents, and a carrying bag.

Read also: Madhya Pradesh HC Defers Bail Plea of Paediatrician Arrested in Cough Syrup Deaths Case

Police have registered cases against all three individuals under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Investigations are underway to trace potential supply networks and identify other persons involved in the trafficking operations, as per India Today NE.

Read also: After Cough Syrup Deaths, IPC Issues Toolkit to Curb DEG, EG Contamination in Liquid Formulations