12.9 hectares of illegal opium plantation destroyed in Senapati
Imphal: For the first time this year, a joint team of central and state forces on Tuesday eradicated approximately 12.9 hectares of illicit poppy fields, and burnt down a temporary hut in Manipur’s Senapati district, officials said.
The combined team, comprising personnel from the Senapati Forest Division, Police, CRPF, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and village volunteers from Khabung, carried out the operation to destroy illegal poppy crops cultivated in the Upper and Lower Khabung hill ranges of Senapati district, bordering Nagaland to the north.
Officials reported that around 12.9 hectares of illicit poppy fields were destroyed, and one temporary hut was burnt and dismantled during the operation. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the illegal activity, they added.
The operation was conducted to curb narcotic drug production and trafficking in the region. Illicit poppy cultivation poses a serious threat to public health and safety.
Poppy cultivation is a serious offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, officials said, adding that teams also urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in eradicating the menace.
They further appealed to residents of the district to remain vigilant and report any information related to illegal poppy cultivation to the nearest police station.
