Itanagar: Security forces have destroyed poppy cultivation spread across nearly eight acres in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district, police officials said on Sunday.
The anti-narcotics drive was carried out on Friday at Votnu and Khasa villages, located close to the India–Myanmar border. Longding Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja said the operation was conducted under the supervision of the Pangchau circle executive magistrate.
Officials said the action followed a detailed ground survey, with teams navigating difficult terrain and coordinating closely with village authorities to ensure the operation was carried out smoothly.
Drones were deployed for surveillance and aerial assessment of the cultivation sites, the SP added.
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No criminal cases have been registered against the cultivators so far. Police said the farmers were largely unaware that poppy cultivation is illegal.
Authorities plan to focus on sensitising villagers about the harmful effects of narcotics and promoting alternative and sustainable agricultural practices.
Another official noted that poppy cultivation in some border villages is often linked to tradition and self-consumption, underscoring the need for sustained awareness and community engagement rather than punitive action alone.
