In a joint operation on Tuesday, Manipur Police, with the assistance of Forest Department officials and the cooperation of the Chairman of Khabung village, carried out an aerial survey using drones to detect illegal poppy cultivation in Senapati district.

The survey, conducted at Upper and Lower Khabung villages under Senapati Police Station, revealed that nearly 13 hectares of forest land had been cleared for poppy cultivation. Some patches were found already sown with the prohibited crop.

Following the discovery, authorities issued a stern warning to the Chairman of Khabung village, directing him to ensure the immediate destruction of the sown poppy plants and to prevent any further cultivation of the crop in the area.

The operation forms part of the state government’s intensified campaign against illicit poppy cultivation, which has been contributing to widespread deforestation, environmental degradation, and fueling the drug menace in Manipur.