A major anti-drug operation was carried out in Manipur on Saturday as security forces destroyed large stretches of illegal poppy plantations in Kangpokpi district. The coordinated action involved Manipur Police, Assam Rifles (AR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Forest officials.
According to officials, the first operation took place at Loibol Khullen village under New Keithelmanbi Police Station. The combined team cleared nearly 20 acres of poppy fields spread across the hilly area. During the operation, security personnel also seized two sacks filled with salt packets, which are often used in poppy cultivation. Spray pumps, water pipes, herbicides, and other tools found at the site were destroyed on the spot.
In another operation conducted the same day, Manipur Police, CRPF, and Forest officials moved into the hill ranges near Kotlen village, also in Kangpokpi district. Here too, the team destroyed close to 20 acres of poppy plantation. Five makeshift huts used by cultivators were burnt down. The team also destroyed three bags of fertilizers, two bottles of roundup herbicide, and two bags of salt. 
Officials said the back-to-back operations were part of the state’s effort to curb illegal poppy cultivation, which has been spreading across several hill districts. They added that such operations will continue in the coming days.
