A joint operation was carried out today to destroy illegal poppy cultivation in the Upper and Lower Khabung Hill Ranges of Senapati district. The operation was conducted by a combined team comprising personnel from the Senapati Forest Division, Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), along with village volunteers from Khabung.

During the operation, illicit poppy crops spread across approximately 12.9 hectares of land were destroyed. One temporary hut found at the cultivation site was also burned and dismantled. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal cultivation.
The operation forms part of ongoing measures to curb narcotic drug production and trafficking in the region.

Authorities reiterated that illicit poppy cultivation poses a serious threat to public health and safety and is a punishable offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The joint team appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in eradicating the menace of illegal poppy cultivation. Citizens of the district were also urged to remain vigilant and report any information related to illicit poppy farming to the nearest police station.