Imphal, Jan 18: Security forces intensified their crackdown on illegal activities across Manipur, leading to multiple arrests and the destruction of large tracts of illicit drug poppy cultivation, police said on Sunday.
During a week-long poppy destruction drive carried out from January 12 to 17 at various locations under Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district, a combined team of security forces, the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Forest Department destroyed about 306 acres of illicit poppy fields. As part of the operation, 43 temporary huts along with spray pumps, pipes, salts, pesticides, and herbicides found at the cultivation sites were also destroyed.
In a separate operation on Saturday, Manipur Police arrested one individual along with 16.6 kilograms of opium from the Behiang side along Tiddim Road under the Singngat police station in Churachandpur district. The seizure was made during routine security checks, police said.
On the same day, security forces also arrested two alleged active cadres of proscribed outfits from the Bishnupur district. One arrest was made from a residence under the Kumbi police station, while another was carried out from a house under the Bishnupur police station.
Officials said the operations form part of sustained efforts to curb insurgency-related activities and eliminate illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in the state. Security agencies have reiterated that such coordinated drives will continue in vulnerable areas to maintain law and order and address the narcotics menace.