Imphal, Sept. 9 -- A joint team of central and state forces arrested two suspected smugglers and seized 176 soap cases filled with brown sugar (a heroin derivative) during an operation in Manipur's Churachandpur district, which borders Mizoram to the west, officials reported on Tuesday.

The Singngat Police and the Assam Rifles carried out the joint operation, which led to the arrest of Thanglunpau Sukte (32) and Hauginlian Phaipi (35), both residents of Suangdoh Village in Suangdoh Sub-Division, Churachandpur.

The team apprehended the suspects and seized the contraband at the Police Motor Vehicle Check Gate along Guite Road (NH-102B) under Singngat Police Station.

This highway connects Manipur and Mizoram through Churachandpur district...