Kangpokpi (Manipur), 18 January (HS): A total of 306 acres of illicit poppy cultivation were destroyed during a week-long anti-narcotics drive conducted at various locations under Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district.

The operation was carried out from January 12 to January 17 by a combined team of security forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Forest Department as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation in the hill districts.

During the drive, the teams also dismantled and destroyed 43 temporary huts set up at the cultivation sites. In addition, several spray pumps, pipes, salts, pesticides and herbicides used for poppy farming were seized and destroyed on the spot.

Officials said on Sunday that such coordinated operations would continue in the coming days to eliminate illicit poppy cultivation and associated illegal activities from the region.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash