IMPHAL, February 17: A combined team of 20 Assam Rifles, Narcotics Action Bureau and Police personnel of Chandel PS carried out operations to destroy poppy plantation at four places in Chandel since February 13 till today.
The combined team destroyed poppy plantations at Machi Sita Junction, Tonghlang, Hongjang and T Huimol in Chandel District.
The illicit poppy cultivation of opium plants were burnt and destroyed. The opium yield measured approximately 5040 kgs worth Rs 41 crore approximately, a release of Assam Rifles said.
The opium plantations were spread over an area of 252 acres in the higher reaches. It was clandestinely cultivated far away from the view of the people around the area to avoid detection by enforcement agencies, it said.
The cultivation was not systematic and it was randomly carried out to prevent detection.
The extensive operations undertaken by 26 Sector Assam Rifles, in remote areas led to the discovery of these poppy fields, it said.
Till now 20 Assam Rifles under the aegis of 26 Sector Assam Rifles has destroyed around 576 acres worth Rs 96 crore approximately, it said.
No one came forward to claim the ownership of the cultivation, it added.
NAB Sub Inspector Th Achouba speaking to media persons said 26 acres of fully grown and 17 acres of dried poppy plantations were destroyed at Tonghlang located at 15 Km away from Machi Junction on February 14.
In all 38 acres of fully grown and 7 acres of dried plantations were destroyed at Hongjang, which is 30 Km away Machi Junction on February 15, he said.
Another 38 acres of fully grown and 23 acres of dried were destroyed at T Huimol situated 25Km away from Machi Junction yesterday and 13 acres of fully grown and 19 acres of dried poppy plantations were destroyed today at Machi Junction of Chandel district, he added.