A joint operation led by the Senapati Police, forest officials, and an executive magistrate under the command of ASP (NH-2) successfully destroyed 19 acres of standing poppy plants at the Khabung hill range on Thursday.

The operation involved multiple teams, including two from Senapati Police Station headed by SI Dahrii and ASI Khole, a Hengbung Checkpost team led by ASI Lungni, an RL/SPT unit under Inspector Simon, Tadubi Police Station led by SI Anthony, Mao Police Station led by SI Kom, and a team from Maram Police Station. They were joined by six Forest Department staff members and an Executive Magistrate.

The teams began their mission at 9:20 AM from Senapati Police Station and returned at 4:00 PM. Upon reaching the Khabung hill range, drones were deployed to locate small poppy fields, each covering approximately 2-3 acres, scattered around Khabung village. Over the course of the day, four major locations were cleared.

An FIR has been registered at Senapati Police Station, and further investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the cultivation.