Imphal: Assam Rifles soldiers recovered heroin powder worth Rs 68 lakh on the India-Myanamr border in Manipur’s Chandel district early morning today.

Based on specific intelligence input, the troops launched an operation to intercept a consignment of drugs being smuggled across the border from Myanmar in Laiching area, an Assam Rifles statement said.

While carrying out search operation in the area close to Laiching- Kotak Khuntak track, the soldiers located concealed items in a bush besides the track.

On closer examination, they recovered heroin powder in soap-case packets, the statement said, adding that the recovered narcotics have been handed over to Chandel Police for further investigation.

On the other hand, the paramilitary force, as part of its continuous efforts to extend assistance to the local population, today completed the construction of a water reservoir tank at  Mangkang Village in the same district  as part of Civic Action Programme 2020-21.

The water reservoir tank was handed over to village authorities in an inaugural function organised which was attended by common villagers and the village authorities, continued the statement.

“Assam Rifles undertook this infrastructure project to assist in the rehabilitation of Mangkang village which has been recently re-established by people who were displaced during communal clashes earlier,” it said.

The construction of the water reservoir tank will alleviate the problem of water shortage faced by the villagers due to the remoteness of the location.

The local populace expressed their gratitude for the efforts of Assam Rifles in their rehabilitation efforts, added the statement.