In a significant operation to combat the illegal drug trade and protect forest land, security forces in Manipur, working closely with the Kangpokpi Forest Division, have successfully destroyed a massive area of illicit poppy cultivation. The coordinated crackdown took place on Wednesday, November 19, targeting extensive plantations spread across the Phailengkot–Makhan hill ranges, located within the protected Koubru Reserve Forest in the Kangpokpi district.
The large-scale action focused on six separate locations where the illegal crop was being cultivated, ultimately clearing poppy plants from approximately 53 acres of vital forest land. Officials stated that this decisive joint operation was mounted specifically to curb the escalating trend of illegal cultivation activities being carried out inside the state’s protected forest zones.
During the course of the operation, security personnel ensured that not only the crops but also the infrastructure supporting the illicit activity was removed. This included the demolition of seven makeshift farm huts that were being utilized by the cultivators. Furthermore, authorities seized and destroyed 35 packets of salt from the sites, a material reportedly used by the cultivators for processing and sustaining the illegal poppy plantations.
Authorities have affirmed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the reserve forest areas. They stated that intensified surveillance efforts and ongoing joint operations will continue across the region to effectively prevent any further encroachments or illegal cultivation activities within these critical protected zones.
