On Wednesday, a joint operation by security forces and the forest department led to the destruction of 180 acres of illegal poppy plantations in the Leingangching hill range (Mapithel hill range) under Litan police station, Ukhrul district, along with 20 huts in the area. Additionally, 38 acres of illegal poppy were eradicated in the Thawai Kuki hill range, where another 10 huts were also demolished. Separately, security forces intercepted a bus in Tuileluon village (Sangaikot-PS, Churachandpur district) and arrested Thangminlian Zou, 30, from Teisaljang village, seizing approximately 57.7 kgs of raw opium and his mobile phone. Following this, Melody Lambu, 36, from Pallel Bazaar, currently residing in T. Khonomphai village, was also arrested in connection to the investigation. Furthermore, a truck was stopped in the Martyrs Park area (Mao-PS, Senapati district), leading to the arrest of the driver, Athikho Elokho, 27, from Kaibi Village. Authorities confiscated 5.60 kgs of opium, one mobile phone, ₹ 5,200, an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, and a Tata Dumper (Regd. No. NL-07AA-5740) from him. Ongoing operations included search efforts and the establishment of 103 checkpoints across various districts, although no detentions were made. The secure movement of 130 vehicles carrying essential goods along NH-37 was maintained, with heightened security measures in critical areas to ensure safe transit.
Illegal Poppy Cultivation Eradicated, Opium Seized
