89.44 ha of poppy plantations destroyed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal/Ukhrul, January 21 2023:
Ramping up the Government's War on Drugs, security forces and personnel of the Forest Department have destroyed nearly 90 hectares of poppy plantations since yesterday.
Acres of poppy plantations were destroyed at Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul district.
At Ukhrul, a combined team of the district police, Forest Department and village authority of Phungcham destroyed 15 acres of poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of Phungcham and Paorei areas today.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chingai Ahongjao led the team, which destroyed massive poppy plantations in the interior forest areas from the morning.
Showing their support to the Government's War on Drugs campaign, Phungcham Village Authority actively participated in the poppy destruction drive.
The Chingai police station has registered a case.
In Saikul area, a combined team of Kangpokpi district police, 2nd MR, 6 IRB, NAB, MPTC and Forest Department, in presence of SDO Lungtin, destroyed about 25 acres of poppy plantations at Puleijang hill range under Saikul police station.
In Churachandpur, the district police along with 1st IRB, 2 IRB, NAB, and Forest personnel carried out a drive at Haopi Mollen village and destroyed 74 acres of poppy plantations.
The combined team also reported that around 30 acres of poppy plantations were also destroyed by the villagers themselves in the area.
In Chandel, the district police along with the personnel of Kakching and Thoubal police, NAB and Chandel District Forest Division destroyed 70 acres of poppy plantations at Phaisi area under Chakpikarong subdivision.
The personnel also burnt down 14 huts used in poppy cultivation.
In Kangpokpi, security forces conducted a drive in the Aigejang Hill Range and destroyed 7 acres of poppy plantations yesterday.
Sagolmang police station registered a case and one Letsei Baite (57) s/o Thongsei Baite was arrested from Aigejang village for allegedly cultivating poppy illegally in the village land.
In total, the security forces destroyed 221 acres (89.44 hectares) of poppy plantations.