Kangpokpi (Manipur), 8 January (HS): In a major anti-narcotics operation, a combined team of the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Forest Department and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday destroyed poppy cultivation spread over 53 acres in the hill ranges of Moljol, Tusam, Vaichei–Naphai and adjoining areas under Kangpokpi district.

During the operation, the teams also dismantled and burnt seven huts erected at the cultivation sites. In addition, 11 bags of fertilizers, 23 containers of Roundup herbicides, 14 bags of salt and various equipment including spray pumps, pipes and other materials used for poppy cultivation were seized and destroyed on the spot.

Officials said the drive was part of sustained efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation and drug trafficking in the hill districts of Manipur.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash