Newmai News Network Imphal |February 3 In drive against drugs, stolen vehicles and other banned goods the Manipur police along with concerned agencies and organizations recovered a huge quantity of the banned drugs from Lilong area. A police team led by K. Meghachandra, SP of Thoubal district, conducted a search operation in Lilong area between 4: 30 am and 9:30 am. The police team recovered 3 four-wheelers and eight two-wheelers suspected to be stolen vehicles, one double barrel gun with license issued at Moreh and 2 gm of heroin during the operation at Lilong Leishakhong, Lilong Haoreibi Awang Leikai and Lilong Yangbi Leikai. The police team also recovered 77 codeine bottles (psychotropic drugs) from the possession of a person identified as Md. Sheikh Safirque Ahamed, a resident of Lilong Leihaokhong. Meanwhile, in continuation of drive against illicit opium poppy in Churachandpur district, a joint team of district police, NAB, NCB, Assam Rifles under the direct supervision of the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur district destroyed opium poppy worth Rs 5.32 crores covering an area of 130 acres at G. Monglian, Salvaphai and Khomunnuom areas under Sangaikot sub—division today, the police said. The exercise was undertaken in the presence of 2 executive magistrates and the produces were destroyed by burning, according to the police. On briefing to media persons, the deputy commissioner/district magistrate, Churachandpur district informed of the plans of district administration for providing alternate means for livelihood generation in villages growing opium poppy and sensitization for village chiefs making them accountable for any illicit cultivation of opium poppy under their jurisdiction. Rakesh Balwal, superintendent of police, Churachandpur informed that an awareness week on ill effect of opium poppy is under taking. He further stated that strict actions will be taken against those financing opium plantations and requested general public to extend full cooperation to district administration in achieving zero area under opium poppy in the district.
