Manipur: NCB destroys 41 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi

Imphal: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Manipur branch, in collaboration with the Central security forces and the Manipur State Forest Department, destroyed approximately 41 acres of poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of Kotlen village under Kangpokpi Police Station in Kangpokpi district.

This was stated in an official report issued on Monday. During the operation conducted on November 23, a total of 23 huts, 9 bags of fertilizers, 11 packets of herbicide, 4 bags of salt, and other cultivation equipment found at the plantation sites were also destroyed by burning the illegal items.

The report added that with these renewed operations, a total of 241 acres of illegal poppy plants, valued at around Rs 1.1 crore, have been destroyed in the district from November 1, 2025, to date.

The report further stated that Kangpokpi district is predominantly inhabited by Kukis, and many have been engaging in illegal poppy cultivation in remote hilly areas for the past many years.

However, no arrests were made during the operations, though different cases were registered, the report added.

Meanwhile, former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh lauded the efforts of the Indian law enforcement agencies. In his post on X, he wrote, "I appreciate the security forces for putting dedicated efforts towards building a drug-free Manipur. May these operations continue with the same vigour until every trace of this evil is eradicated from our sacred soil."