Manipur Security Forces Destroy 20 Acres of Illegal Poppy Plantations in Kangpokpi District
In a continued effort to curb illegal poppy cultivation in the state, security forces carried out two major destruction drives on 15 November 2025, eliminating nearly 20 acres of illicit plantations across Kangpokpi district.
In the first operation, a joint team of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles (AR), and CRPF destroyed approximately 20 acres of poppy cultivation at Loibol Khullen village under New Keithelmanbi Police Station. During the operation, officials seized two sacks of salt packets found at the plantation site. Equipment used for cultivation, including spray pumps, pipes, and herbicides, were destroyed and burnt on the spot to prevent further illegal activities.
In a separate operation the same day, Manipur Police, along with CRPF and Forest Department officials, conducted another poppy destruction drive in the hill ranges of Kotlen village, also under Kangpokpi district. Approximately 20 acres of poppy fields were cleared. The team also demolished five makeshift huts used by cultivators and destroyed three bags of fertilizers, two bottles of roundup herbicides, and two bags of salt.
Authorities stated that such coordinated anti-narcotics operations will continue across vulnerable hill areas to combat the rise in illegal poppy cultivation, which has been linked to environmental degradation and drug trafficking networks in the region.
