Assam Rifles, CRPF, Manipur Police destroy 22 acres of illicit poppy in Kangpokpi
Kangpokpi, February 18
The Assam Rifles launched a joint anti-narcotics operation along with CRPF and Manipur Police in the general area Sehjang, in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, following specific intelligence inputs on Tuesday.
The operation involved area domination and systematic search of suspected cultivation sites. During the conduct of the operation, the joint team detected illicit poppy cultivation spread over 22 acres, which was destroyed.
The destroyed cultivation had the potential to yield about 160 kilograms of opium, estimated to be worth multiple crores, thereby dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region, according to Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (East).
Additionally, three makeshift huts were also found in the vicinity of the cultivation area and were demolished.
Earlier on Sunday, the Assam Rifles established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) on State Highway-06 in Noney, Manipur, following specific intelligence inputs regarding cigarette smuggling.
During the operation, a vehicle moving from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi was intercepted and subjected to a detailed check, according to the Headquarters Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East).
Upon thorough search of the vehicle, 23 cartons of Gudan Garam and 65 cartons of Mond Variance cigarettes were recovered.
The seized consignment, valued at ₹2.9 crore, along with the vehicle, has been handed over for further legal proceedings. Two individuals were also apprehended in connection with the seizure.
Meanwhile, from February 1 to 7, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations under Spear Corps, in close coordination with the Manipur Police, conducted a series of precise, intelligence-driven joint operations across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Pherzawl Districts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good work! 160 kg of opium is a huge amount. It's heartbreaking to think how many families this could have ruined. I hope the authorities also focus on rehabilitation for those who might have been forced into this cultivation out of poverty.
While the destruction is good, we need a permanent solution. What about the farmers? Just destroying crops without providing alternative livelihoods will only push the problem elsewhere. The government needs a comprehensive plan for the region's development.
The scale of the seizure is staggering – ₹2.9 crore in cigarettes too! It shows how entrenched these smuggling networks are. Excellent intelligence work. Hope the apprehended individuals lead to bigger arrests.
Salute to our security forces operating in difficult terrain. Manipur has faced enough instability. Cutting off funding to militants and criminals through such narcotics trade is crucial for long-term peace. Jai Hind!
This is a significant blow, no doubt. But 22 acres is a massive plot. How does cultivation on this scale go unnoticed for so long? It points to a need for better surveillance and perhaps community engagement programs to encourage locals to report such activities.
As someone from the Northeast, I appreciate
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