Songpi: Churachandpur district police has issued a strong public appeal urging all village chiefs, headmen, chairmen and local residents to completely refrain from illegal poppy cultivation activities this season.
The appeal under “say no to illegal poppy cultivation” warns that any form of direct or indirect involvement will lead to immediate arrest and prosecution under stringent provisions of Ndps Act, 1985, which carries rigorous jail term and heavy fine.
Police said illegal poppy crops are liable to be seized and destroyed on the spot without notice. Joint teams of district police, Capf and Nab are conducting regular drives using drones and gps mapping to locate and destroy hidden plantations in remote hill ranges.
The official notice also warns that property linked to poppy cultivation can be attached and forfeited legally. Houses, vehicles, land and bank accounts created from drug money will be seized after detailed financial investigation by agencies.
Public has been strongly urged to report poppy cultivation activities to nearest police station, police post, Capf post or district administration office immediately. Village authorities have been asked to ensure no such cultivation takes place in their jurisdiction and spread awareness.
Police shared two dedicated helplines for confidential reporting: emergency (police control) 6909161233 and Antf helpline 7085884744 available 24 hours. Informants identity will be kept strictly confidential and protected, police assured in the appeal.
The warning comes ahead of poppy sowing season starting Oct-Nov and amid intensified anti-poppy operations across Manipur’s hill districts to effectively curb drug trade, large-scale deforestation and serious environmental damage in the region.
Churachandpur police said it remains fully committed to make the district completely drug-free and appealed to civil society organisations, student bodies, church leaders and NGOs to actively join the collective fight against narcotics menace.
