Imphal, February 6: In a major crackdown on narcotics cultivation and illegal activities, Manipur Police and security forces destroyed large swathes of illegal poppy plantations across multiple districts of Manipur over February 4–5, officials said.
On February 5, security forces destroyed 20 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at the Khudei Khullen hill range under Tengnoupal Police Station in Tengnoupal district. On the same day, another 185 acres of poppy plantations were eradicated at the Khamashom and Leingangching (Mapithel) hill ranges in Ukhrul district, where two huts found at the sites were also demolished.
Earlier, on February 4, a combined team of security forces and the Forest Department destroyed 180 acres of illegal poppy plantations at the Leingangching (Mapithel) hill range under Litan Police Station, Ukhrul district. During the operation, 20 huts used by cultivators were also destroyed.
In a separate operation on February 5, security forces intercepted a TVS NTORQ 125 motorcycle (registration number AS31A-5923) at T/Khullen Naka checkpoint under Senapati Police Station along NH-2. The rider, Subash Tamang (21) of Sadim Nepali area, Senapati district, was arrested. Police seized 334 grams of opium and a mobile phone from his possession.
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Meanwhile, during search operations at Loktak Lake, east of Phubala village under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district, security forces recovered a cache of arms and explosives. The seized items included one 9 mm CMG carbine with magazine, one 9 mm pistol with magazine, one .32 mm pistol with magazine, five rifle grenades, two Lathod bombs, five 12-bore cartridges, ten 9 mm live rounds, and one T-Eagle sniper scope.
Officials said the coordinated operations reflect intensified efforts by Manipur Police and security agencies to dismantle narcotics networks, destroy illegal poppy cultivation, and recover arms amid ongoing law-and-order challenges in the state.
