KUMUD JENAMANI
Jamshedpur, Feb 9: Seraikela-Kharsawan SP Mukesh Lunayet led an operation on Saturday to destroy poppy cultivation spread across 19 acres of land in the district, using a drone for precise identification.
The operation was carried out in Kuchai, Dalbhanga, and Ichagarh areas, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.
Acting on a tip-off, a special police team, led by SP Lunayet, used drone cameras to locate poppy plantations accurately before launching the raid.
The team first targeted Jorasarjom village in Kuchai, where poppy crops covering three acres were destroyed. One person was arrested during the operation.
Next, the team moved to Siadhih village under Dalbhanga Thana Outpost, where they cleared poppy cultivation spread over 10 acres. Two individuals were arrested from this location.
Finally, in Salukdhih village, Ichagarh, the team destroyed poppy crops grown on one acre of land.
During these operations, most locals cooperated with the police. Notably, while the police were clearing plantations in Siadhih village, some residents took it upon themselves to destroy poppy crops covering an additional five acres.
Many villagers are increasingly turning to illegal poppy cultivation instead of traditional paddy farming, as poppy offers significantly higher financial returns.
Poppy flowers are processed to produce opium. Additionally, a popular food item, postu, is made as a byproduct of opium processing.
Since taking charge, SP Lunayet has overseen the destruction of poppy plantations spread over 498 acres and the arrest of around a dozen individuals involved in illegal cultivation.
