Itanagar, Feb 25: In a major anti-narcotics drive, the Tirap district administration, Department of Tax & Excise and Narcotics, in coordination with Tirap District Police, Central Reserve Police Force (36 Bn) and 44 Assam Rifles, conducted a joint operation to destroy illegal poppy cultivation at Upper Kolam village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district on Wednesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the joint team launched a coordinated operation and identified approximately 11,500 square metres of illicit poppy fields. The standing crop, estimated to be worth several crores of rupees in the illegal market, was destroyed on the spot.
Officials said the drive was carried out in a systematic and controlled manner, ensuring complete eradication of the crop while adhering to due legal procedures and safety protocols.
The operation forms part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign aimed at curbing unlawful cultivation practices that adversely impact the youth and the social fabric of the district. Authorities reiterated their resolve to intensify enforcement measures to prevent the spread of drug-related activities in vulnerable areas.
Local residents appreciated the proactive initiative undertaken by the district administration and security forces, which further strengthened community cooperation in tackling the menace of illegal narcotics cultivation.
The successful destruction drive underscores the commitment of the administration and security agencies towards ensuring a drug-free Tirap district and fostering peace, stability and socio-economic development in the region.