Manipur Police carried out two major anti-narcotics operations in Kangpokpi district, resulting in the arrest of a village chief and the destruction of a large-scale poppy cultivation site, officials confirmed on November 24.
A joint police team apprehended 43-year-old Lunkhohao Kipgen, the Chief of Gunphaibung village under Saikul police station, during a raid at Bongmoul village on November 23. Investigators recovered 986 grams of opium and a mobile phone from his possession. Authorities stated that the arrest marked a significant step in efforts to dismantle networks linked to drug production and distribution in the region.
A day earlier, security personnel, in collaboration with the Forest Department and the Narcotics Control Bureau, conducted a destruction drive targeting illegal poppy cultivation at the hill ranges of Kotlen village under Kangpokpi police station. Approximately 41 acres of poppy plants were cleared during the operation.
Teams also demolished 23 makeshift huts believed to be used for cultivation-related activities and seized nine bags of fertiliser, 11 packets of herbicide, four bags of salt and various tools found on-site.
Officials described the coordinated actions as a major setback for illegal opium production in the district and affirmed that similar operations would continue in the coming weeks.
