Imphal, Feb 19: Security forces, in coordination with the Forest Department, destroyed 20 acres of illegal poppy cultivation on February 18 at Happi Mollen and the Chaljang hill range under Sangaikot police station in Churachandpur district, as part of an intensified drive against narcotics farming in the hill areas of Manipur.
Officials said a temporary hut erected at the plantation site was dismantled during the operation. Two bags of salt and kitchen utensils recovered from the area were also destroyed. The action forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation and disrupt narcotics networks operating in vulnerable regions.
In a separate development on February 17, security personnel handed over a Tata truck bearing registration number RJ14GN/3247 to the Forest Range Officer in Jiribam district. The vehicle, which was detained at Leinganpokpi village, was found transporting 120 timber beams allegedly without valid authorisation. The driver, Prem Chand (53), and the owner, Narayan Lal Bajya (42), both residents of Rajasthan, were also handed over for allegedly attempting to transport the timber illegally towards Jiribam. Legal proceedings under relevant forest laws have been initiated.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested Sahid Shah (35), a warder posted at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, on February 18 for allegedly enabling inmates, including those booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, to use mobile phones without authorisation.
Police seized several mobile phones and SIM cards during the operation. Preliminary investigations indicated that financial transactions were conducted from within the jail premises using the accused’s UPI account. Further inquiries are underway to ascertain the scale of the network and identify additional individuals linked to the case registered at Heingang police station in Imphal East district.
