Arunachal authorities destroy 20,000 sq m of illegal cannabis

Authorities destroyed illegal cannabis cultivation covering about 20,000 square metres in Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday in a large‑scale anti‑narcotics operation, officials said. A special police team was formed to act on credible information received late on April 7 about widespread wild cannabis cultivation under the jurisdiction of the Lemmi police station , Superintendent of Police Swati Singh said.

The information was shared with the district administration and forest department to ensure coordination for a joint operation involving police personnel, forest officials and local residents , authorities said. The team carried out the drive near Sede Natung village , uprooting and cutting down the plants before burning them on‑site as part of the destruction process.

Singh said similar operations will continue in the coming days to curb the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants in the district and urged local residents to assist law enforcement by sharing information on such activities. Officials also advised the public to stay away from narcotic substances , stressing their harmful impact on society , especially on the youth.

The exercise reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies in the region to tackle drug‑related offenses and reinforce community cooperation in reporting suspicious cultivation.