Central and state security forces have successfully eradicated over 306 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur during a sustained anti-narcotics operation that spanned six days. Officials reported on Sunday that this joint initiative, conducted from January 12 to January 17, involved collaboration between Central and state security agencies, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the state Forest Department.
The coordinated action resulted in the dismantling of significant stretches of illicit poppy fields across multiple locations within the district, delivering a substantial setback to the illegal drug trade. A senior police official noted that joint teams, including personnel from the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Manipur Police, also destroyed 43 temporary huts utilized by poppy cultivators.
On-site seizures included equipment such as spray pumps, pipes, salts, and pesticides, all of which were destroyed immediately. According to officials, the fields that were destroyed had the potential to yield more than 2,080 kg of opium, a figure that represents a market value worth several crores of rupees.
The police further indicated that this operation effectively halted large-scale production and trafficking of narcotics from the region. Similar joint operations conducted in November and December of the previous year had already led to the destruction of over 1,000 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hill districts. These earlier efforts involved the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), NCB, and Manipur Police.
Reports indicate that illegal poppy cultivation is particularly prevalent in six hill districts: Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Tengnoupal, and Senapati. The impactful destruction of more than 1,000 acres of poppy fields during the aforementioned two months has the potential to prevent the production of nearly 9,000 kg of opium, which could be valued at several hundred crores of rupees.
A Defence spokesman emphasized that these recent operations faced extremely challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, showcasing the 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 government official stated that these operations are part of Manipur’s broader “War Against Drugs”, under which hundreds of acres of illegal poppy cultivation-primarily on government and forest land-have been eradicated over the years. In 2020, authorities identified 8,057 acres of poppy fields in the state, of which 1,695 acres were destroyed.
The official noted that sustained enforcement and coordinated action by Central and state agencies have led to a gradual decline in the areas under poppy cultivation in subsequent years. By 2024 and 2025, the identified areas are expected to reduce significantly, reflecting the effectiveness of the multi-faceted strategies implemented by both state and Central governments.
Defence officials reiterated that the Assam Rifles adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding narcotics-related activities, and remains committed to eradicating illegal poppy cultivation along the India-Myanmar border, while pursuing legal actions against cultivators, facilitators, and financiers to ensure long-term stability and security in Manipur and surrounding regions.
