Imphal, Jan 18 (NationPress) In a significant anti-drug operation, Central and state security forces have eradicated over 306 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in the hilly region of Kangpokpi district in Manipur within a span of six days, thwarting an effort to produce opium valued at several crores of rupees, as reported by officials on Sunday.

The combined operations took place from January 12 to January 17 involving Central and state security forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the state Forest Department. This coordinated effort resulted in the elimination of over 306 acres of illegal poppy fields scattered across various locations in the district.

A high-ranking police official stated that the joint teams, consisting of the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Manipur Police, also dismantled 43 temporary shelters constructed by the poppy cultivators. Numerous spray pumps, pipes, salts, and pesticides discovered at the locations were seized and destroyed.

The official noted that the obliterated poppy fields were capable of yielding more than 2,080 kg of opium, which could fetch several crores of rupees in the illegal market. Furthermore, in separate joint operations conducted in November and December of the previous year, the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), NCB, and Manipur Police dismantled over 1,000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation across the mountainous districts of the state.

The unlawful cultivation was mainly concentrated across six hilly districts: Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Tengnoupal, and Senapati.

According to the police official, the destruction of more than 1,000 acres of poppy fields over the two months had the potential to halt the production of nearly 9,000 kg of opium, worth several hundred crores of rupees.

A Defence spokesperson stated that the rigorous operations against illegal poppy cultivation were executed under extremely challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions, showcasing the steadfast commitment of the Assam Rifles and other security forces to combat narcotics production and dismantle the financial networks that support insurgency and other anti-national activities.

A senior state government official noted that as part of the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' initiative by the Manipur government, security forces and enforcement agencies have eradicated hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation over the years, predominantly on government and forest lands. In 2020, authorities identified 8,057 acres of poppy fields within the state, with 1,695 acres being destroyed.

The crackdown has persisted in subsequent years with intensified efforts from the Assam Rifles and other forces. By 2024 and 2025, the area under identified poppy cultivation had significantly decreased, reflecting the success of the state and Central governments’ multi-faceted strategy, the official remarked.

State politicians and officials have indicated that the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, along with the escalating drug problem, has greatly contributed to the current situation in the state. The Defence spokesperson reiterated that the Assam Rifles adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics-related activities, resulting in legal actions against cultivators, facilitators, and financiers.

Moreover, he emphasized that the force remains resolute in its mission to eradicate poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border and reiterated its commitment to ensuring long-term stability and security in Manipur and its neighboring regions.

According to the Defence official, combating illegal poppy cultivation has consistently remained a priority for the Assam Rifles, as evidenced by its sustained operations over the years.