Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the hill ranges of Kangpokpi. This coordinated operation took place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. It marks another successful chapter in the state’s ongoing campaign against the drug menace. Joint teams targeted remote locations where illegal farming was hidden deep within the forested hills. The government has reiterated that such drives will continue until the region is free of illicit drug production.
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Manipur Security Forces Destroy 53 Acres of Illegal Poppy Cultivation During Joint Raid
The operation was not a solo effort. Instead, it involved a massive combined team. This team included the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Personnel from the Forest Department also assisted in the drive. Together, they navigated the difficult terrain of the Moljol, Tusam, and Vaichei-Naphai hill ranges. Because the Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, a significant amount of potential opium has been kept off the black market.
The forces worked throughout the day to uproot the flowering plants. They focused on clearing large swathes of land that were being used for commercial-scale poppy farming. Officials noted that these areas are often difficult to reach. However, using intelligence-based mapping, the teams were able to pinpoint the exact coordinates of the plantations. This success shows the improved coordination between state and central agencies in the year 2026.
Destruction of Infrastructure and Farming Materials
During the raid, the teams found more than just plants. They discovered that the cultivators had built makeshift living quarters and storage units. Consequently, the security forces dismantled and burnt seven huts found at the site. These huts served as shelters for the laborers and storage for the harvested products. By destroying these structures, the forces have made it harder for the cultivators to return to the same spot.
Furthermore, a large quantity of farming chemicals was seized and destroyed on the spot. This included:
- 11 bags of chemical fertilizers
- 23 containers of Roundup herbicide
- 14 bags of salt used in the cultivation process
- Various spray pumps and irrigation pipes
These materials are essential for high-yield poppy farming. Because Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation along with these tools, the financial loss to the drug syndicates is substantial. The use of herbicides and salts in the forest also poses an environmental risk, which the Forest Department is now monitoring.
Sustained Campaign Under the War on Drugs
This latest action in Kangpokpi is part of the intensified “War on Drugs” 2.0. The state government has been vocal about its zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics. In the past month alone, multiple operations have taken place across different districts. For example, a similar drive in Churachandpur recently saw the destruction of another 20 acres of poppy. This shows that the pressure on drug producers is constant and widespread.
Moreover, the local community and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have started supporting these moves. In many parts of Kangpokpi, village chiefs have pledged to stop poppy farming in their jurisdictions. This shift in local sentiment is vital. While the Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation through force, long-term success depends on the cooperation of the local people. The government is also offering alternative livelihood programs to help former poppy farmers transition to legal crops like ginger and pineapple.
Legal Actions and Future Surveillance
The police have registered cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Although no arrests were made during this specific raid—as the cultivators fled before the teams arrived—the investigation is ongoing. Digital evidence and items found in the huts are being analyzed to identify the owners of the land. The state has warned that landholders will be held responsible if illegal crops are found on their property.
To prevent the replanting of poppy, the government is using drone technology for constant surveillance. These drones provide high-resolution images of the hills, making it impossible to hide large plantations. The Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation today, but the drones will ensure they do not return tomorrow. This high-tech approach has made the current crackdown much more effective than previous years.
Conclusion
The destruction of 53 acres of poppy is a victory for public health and safety. It disrupts the supply chain of heroin and other opium-based drugs. Since Manipur security forces destroy 53 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, the message to drug lords is clear: the state will not provide a safe haven for their activities. The synergy between the police, CRPF, and NCB has created a formidable force against narcotics. As the state moves forward, the focus will remain on total eradication and the rehabilitation of affected lands.
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