Police destroy opium worth millions in West Bengal

Birbhum (West Bengal), Feb 29 : Police and narcotics officials destroyed large tracts of poppy cultivation worth millions of dollars in West Bengal on Thursday.

The operation was carried out in Amjara, Chinpai, Kendraberi, Rajnagar in the state's Birbhum District.

"This year about 90-100 acres of land has been brought under opium cultivation. The officials of the excise department are carrying out the razing process," said Pabitra Sarkar, a narcotics officer.

Farmers in the area turned to opium cultivation as it seemed to promise better returns.

Opium is mainly cultivated in the higher reaches of Himalayas but is now largely state-regulated.

India is seen as a major conduit of opium smuggling within the South Asia and Southeast Asian region.

ANI