Security forces in Manipur carried out a large-scale anti-narcotics operation, targeting illegal poppy cultivation in the Tengnoupal district. The operation was conducted in the Khudei Khullen hill range under Tengnoupal Police Station, a region that has witnessed repeated attempts at cultivating opium poppy despite ongoing state crackdowns.
During the day-long mission, the joint team of security personnel destroyed nearly 15 acres of poppy plantations, marking one of the most extensive eradication efforts in the district this month. Officials said the team identified the cultivation sites after thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering, ensuring precise targeting of the illegal fields hidden across the hilly terrain.
In addition to uprooting the poppy crops, the forces also demolished infrastructure supporting the cultivation. This included a hut used by growers, a temporary irrigation system designed to sustain the plantation, and three chemical spraying pumps recovered from the site. Such facilities, authorities noted, indicate a well-organized effort behind the illegal operations.
Security officials emphasized that the crackdown is part of Manipur’s broader campaign against narcotics production, which poses significant social and health risks to local communities. The state has intensified operations in remote areas where poppy cultivation often flourishes due to difficult terrain and limited oversight.
Authorities have launched further surveillance to prevent re-cultivation in the area and are working to identify individuals or groups involved in the illegal activity. Officials also warned that any attempts to restart cultivation would face strict legal action.
The operation highlights the state’s ongoing determination to combat drug-related activities and safeguard vulnerable communities from their long-term impact. Authorities continue to encourage local residents to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the success of anti-narcotics campaigns and the safety of the region.
