Kangpokpi (Manipur), 30 December (HS): In a major anti-narcotics operation, combined teams of the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Forest Department, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) destroyed 35 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of Langkhong (Saisijang) area under Kangpokpi district in last 24 hours.

During the operation, the teams dismantled and burnt 12 huts found at the cultivation sites. A large quantity of materials used for poppy cultivation was also destroyed, including 13 bags of fertilizers, 19 bottles of Roundup herbicide, 16 bags of salt, along with spray pumps, pipes, herbicides and other equipment.

Officials said the coordinated drive is part of sustained efforts by security and enforcement agencies to curb illegal poppy cultivation and dismantle the drug supply network in the hill districts of the state.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash