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Imphal, Nov 17 (IANS) As part of an anti-narcotics crackdown, central and state security forces have destroyed over 486 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the hill districts of Manipur within the last five days, effectively foiling a large-scale opium smuggling attempt worth several crores of rupees, officials said on Monday.
Central and state security forces, in separate joint operations, have destroyed over 486 acres of illegal poppy plantations in the hill districts of Manipur in just five days, effectively foiling a multi-crore opium smuggling bid, officials said.
Police officials and defense spokesperson separately said that between November 11 and 15, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Manipur Police in a series of joint operations destroyed 486 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in three hill districts of Manipur – Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Senapati.
A senior police officer said the illegal poppy cultivation destroyed in 486 acres was likely to produce more than 3,304 kg of opium, worth several crores of rupees.
During the operation, security forces destroyed around 60 huts found to be sites of illegal poppy cultivation in the three districts.
Several sacks of salt packets, a large quantity of fertiliser, two Roundup herbicides, spray pumps and pipes used in poppy cultivation were destroyed and burnt.
The official said that such campaigns against illegal poppy cultivation will continue in Manipur.
A defense spokesperson said the intensive operation was conducted under challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, and the action highlights the unwavering efforts of the Assam Rifles and other forces to stop the cultivation of illegal narcotics and dismantle the financial networks that fuel militancy and other anti-national activities.
An Assam Rifles statement said that this successful operation reaffirms the strong commitment of Assam Rifles towards promoting a drug-free North-East and contributing to long-term peace, stability and socio-economic development in the region.
As part of the Manipur government’s “war on drugs”, various security forces, including Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, have destroyed hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation in government and forest lands over the past few years, a senior state government official said.
In 2020, security forces and government agencies identified a staggering 8,057 acres of poppy fields, of which 1,695 acres were destroyed.
This trend of harsh action continued in subsequent years.
Assam Rifles and other security forces intensified their operations to destroy hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation.
The official said that by 2024 and 2025, the area of identified poppy fields had declined significantly, indicating the success of the multi-pronged strategy of the state and central governments and security forces.
State politicians and officials said that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur along with the growing drug problem is a major cause of the current situation.
Assam Rifles’ zero-tolerance policy against narcotics-related activities has led to legal action against defaulters, including farmers and financiers, a defense spokesperson said.
He said Assam Rifles continues its determination to fight against the menace of poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border.
The spokesperson said that by eliminating poppy cultivation and striking at the roots of narco-trade, Assam Rifles has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring stability and security in Manipur and beyond.
According to the defense official, the fight against poppy cultivation has been a consistent priority for the paramilitary force, as reflected in its sustained efforts over the years.
–IANS
SC/KHz