PoppyEradication – Massive Anti-Drug Operations Sweep Across Manipur Districts
PoppyEradication – Security forces and forest officials have intensified coordinated action against poppy cultivation and drug trafficking networks across multiple districts in the state.-
Three Acres of Poppy Destroyed in Senapati
In a continued effort to curb illegal narcotics cultivation, a joint team comprising security personnel, forest department officials, and an Executive Magistrate cleared nearly three acres of illicit poppy fields at Lakhamai Hills under Phaibung Police Station in Senapati district on Friday.
Officials at the site reported that three temporary huts constructed within the plantation area were dismantled and set ablaze. These structures were believed to have been used for shelter and related activities connected to the cultivation process.
PREPAK Cadre Arrested in Imphal East
In a separate development, security forces detained an alleged active member of the proscribed group PREPAK. The individual, identified as Sapam Barlin Singh, also known as Nongthang, aged 22, hails from Thangmeiband Khomdrang Selungba Leikai in Imphal West district.
He was apprehended near the main gate of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) along Porompat Ayangpalli Road under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway.
Major Operation in Ukhrul Hill Range
Meanwhile, another coordinated operation led to the destruction of approximately 80 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the Sihai hill range under Ukhrul Police Station in Ukhrul district.
Ten makeshift huts discovered within the cultivation area were demolished and burned during the operation. Officials stated that such actions are part of a sustained campaign to eliminate narcotics production at its source in remote hill regions.
Brown Sugar Seized in Thoubal
Security personnel also intercepted a vehicle at Lilong Alia Lamkhai under Lilong Police Station in Thoubal district. The four-wheeler, identified as an A-Star, was stopped during routine checks.
The occupant, Md. Abbas Ahamed, 42, was taken into custody after authorities recovered approximately 1.543 kilograms of brown sugar from his possession. The vehicle used in the transportation was also seized. Further legal proceedings are in progress.
Earlier Joint Operations in Kangpokpi
Earlier in January, acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal cultivation, Assam Rifles conducted a joint mission with CRPF and Manipur Police in the Ngatan Hill Range of Kangpokpi district. The operation, carried out on January 9, resulted in the destruction of around 40 acres of poppy fields.
Security teams also dismantled 11 temporary huts believed to have been used for storing and processing narcotics. According to an official statement, the destroyed crops could have generated opium worth several crores in the illicit market.
Large Cache of Arms Recovered
In a separate operation on January 8, security forces recovered a significant quantity of arms and ammunition from the Songjang (Pakang) area under Kangpokpi Police Station.
The seized items included locally made pumpi guns, an Excalibur rifle with a magazine, a .303 rifle, locally assembled pistols, multiple live rounds of ammunition, empty cartridges, and bolt-action rifles. Authorities indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended use of the weapons.
Two Drug Smugglers Arrested in Churachandpur
Additionally, on January 7, a joint team of security forces and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials arrested two suspected drug traffickers between Maukot village and Singngat in Churachandpur district.
The individuals, identified as Hangkhankap and Khupjamal, were allegedly transporting 4.3 kilograms of heroin powder concealed in 320 soap cases. Officials also confiscated one four-wheeler and a two-wheeler linked to the case.
Sustained Crackdown on Narcotics and Militancy
The series of coordinated actions across several districts highlights the intensified campaign against narcotics cultivation, drug trafficking, and unlawful armed activities in Manipur. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling networks involved in illegal poppy farming and the distribution of narcotic substances while continuing operations in vulnerable regions of the state.