Two held, 59 acres of poppy plantations decimated
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 11 2024: A combined team of state and central forces destroyed 59 acres of poppy plantations in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts along with apprehending two poppy planters on Tuesday.

The two persons rounded up on the spot on the charge of indulging in poppy cultivation have been identified as Letkhohao Haokip (37) and Hegou Khongsai (30) .

According to police sources, the two were apprehended during a special drive launched against illegal poppy plantation along the Mapithel Hill range in Phungyar sub-division falling under the jurisdiction of Litan police station, Ukhrul.

The security forces also destroyed around 45 acres of illicit opium cultivation.

Acting on a tip-off about some people residing in the eastern part of the Manipur border carrying out poppy plantation, a combined team of Manipur police, Forest Department and BSF personnel accompanied by the executive magistrate conducted a surprise operation led by Ukhrul SDPO.

During the operation, the team destroyed poppy plants in blooming stages spanning an area of 45 acres, said the sources, adding that an FIR is registered for further investigation.

On the other-hand, state and central forces destroyed 14 acres of illegal poppy cultivation on the hill range of Thonglang Akut-pa in Kangpokpi district.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Manipur police, state forest department, and CRPF personnel on Tuesday, said a police report.

Based on intelligence input, the joint team led by Kangpokpi additional SP (LO) trekked the designated location and destroyed 14 acres of illegal poppy plantations, found to be in the early flowering stage.

There is, however, no report of arrest made.

Meanwhile, chief minister N Biren has commended the collective efforts of the joint team.

Taking to his Twitter account, the CM said, "I also thank the CRPF for their exceptional contributions.

These actions reaffirm the state and the Union government's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug threats and advancing the War on Drug campaign" .

Tuesday's drive was the follow-up actions of the security forces as on December 5, a combined team of Police, Forest Department, and District Administration destroyed 8.76 acres of poppy fields in the Makuilongdi and Thonglang Atongba hill ranges in the same district.

Comment