NAMSAI, Feb 16: In a major crackdown against drug abuse, the Namsai Police busted an illegal poppy cultivation spread over approximately two bighas of land at Latho village under Chongkham circle in Namsai district.
During the operation, a woman identified as Maisi Appa was apprehended while allegedly tapping opium from poppy plants at the site. She reportedly stated that she had purchased the field for Rs 88,000 from another woman. Acting on her lead, police later apprehended the alleged seller and owner of the poppy field, identified as Raiseng Singpho, from her nearby hamlet.
Following due legal procedures, a search of the premises was conducted, leading to the recovery of 13.58 grams of suspected heroin, approximately 770 grams of suspected semi-liquid opium stored in a 500 ml plastic bottle, and cash amounting to Rs 64,990. Police also seized several empty soap and tobacco containers suspected to have been used for storing and transporting contraband substances.
All recovered items were seized and sealed on the spot in the presence of a gazetted officer and independent witnesses. A case has been registered at Chongkham Police Station vide CKM PS Case No. 02/2026 under Sections 17(a)/17(b)/18(c)/21(b)/25 of the NDPS Act.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of SP Sange Thinley, and involved the Circle Officer Chongkham, DySP (HQ), SDPO Namsai, Officer-in-Charge Chongkham, and their respective teams.
The Namsai Police sought public cooperation in their ongoing mission to eradicate drug abuse from the district and appealed to citizens to come forward with information to help curb the menace.