Itanagar, May 12: In a bold and unprecedented move, the Dibang Valley District Police in Arunachal Pradesh have successfully destroyed the region’s first known illegal poppy plantation, marking a historic milestone in the fight against narcotics under Operation Dawn 2.0.
Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, a coordinated team led by Sub-Inspector (SG) Chote Lal Sahani and Executive Magistrate Dr. Kajum Mara launched an early morning raid on May 10 near Angrim Valley village, a remote area tucked between the Anini–Dumbuen Road and the Dri River.
What they uncovered was startling: 110 square meters of blooming poppy plants, clandestinely cultivated in the isolated forested terrain — a first for the Dibang Valley.
The enforcement team documented the operation through photos and videos, and in the presence of independent witnesses, seized and uprooted approximately 1 kilogram of raw poppy straw, destroying the illicit crop on site.
A suo moto case (Anini PS Case No. 02/2025) has been registered under Sections 18(a)/25 of the NDPS Act, 1985, signalling a tough stance on narcotics cultivation. Sub-Inspector Lokmey Boluk has been assigned to lead the investigation.
While the district has seen cases related to drug abuse and illegal sale in the past, this is the first instance of direct action against narcotic cultivation, underscoring a turning point in Dibang Valley’s war on drugs.
Superintendent of Police Manish Shaurya commended the swift and coordinated efforts of both police and civil administration. He emphasised that the operation not only sends a strong deterrent message but also sets the stage for identifying other such cultivation hotspots.
“This is just the beginning. We are committed to eradicating the drug problem from its roots — quite literally,” said SP Shaurya.
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