Security forces in Manipur have destroyed approximately 601 acres of illegal poppy cultivation over a five-day operation conducted between December 16 and December 20, officials said. The large-scale crackdown also led to the recovery of a 9-kg improvised explosive device during search operations in Thoubal district.
The most extensive action was carried out in the Ukhrul district, where around 559 acres of illicit poppy fields were cleared across multiple hill ranges. These areas fell under the jurisdiction of Litan and Somdal police stations and included locations such as LM Block, Yaolen, Lamlai Chingphei, Shongphel, Mullam, Torah, Champhung, Teinem, Phalee and Changta.
During the operation, security personnel demolished 82 makeshift huts found at the plantation sites and seized poppy pods. Authorities have registered three FIRs in connection with the illegal cultivation.
In a separate operation, security forces destroyed an additional 42 acres of poppy fields in Kangpokpi district, covering the hill ranges of L. Simol, Jangnomphai and SP Ngaimun. The drive destroyed 20 huts and the seizure of materials used for cultivation, including fertilisers, herbicides, salt packets and poppy seeds.
Officials said similar operations will continue as part of the government&rsquo;s intensified push to eliminate illegal poppy cultivation. The public has been urged to cooperate with security agencies to ensure long-term success in the anti-narcotics campaign.
According to earlier data shared by the Narcotic Affairs of Border unit, more than 18,200 acres of illegal poppy cultivation have been destroyed over the past eight years, with over 3,200 people arrested in narcotics-related cases across the state.
Meanwhile, during area domination and search operations in vulnerable locations, security forces recovered a 9-kg IED, three live 12-bore cartridges and 13 fired cartridge cases of different calibres. The recoveries were made from Monglham Base and nearby foothill areas under the Thoubal Dam police station in Imphal East district.
Further investigations are ongoing.

Security forces recover 9-kg IED during anti-narcotics drive in Manipur

Manipur Destroys 601 Acres of Illegal Poppy Crops

Security forces recover 9-kg IED during anti-narcotics drive in Manipur

December 21, 2025 | 11:55 IST