Police have destroyed poppy plants grown on an area covering 26 bighas (10.4 acres) of land in Sanibheri, Bafikot and Aathbiskot of West Rukum.

The District Police Office had mobilised its personnel following reports of large-scale poppy cultivation in these areas.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajendra Prasad Dhamala said the operation began from the start of April and lasted for 10 days.

Though police have been regularly cracking down on poppy cultivation, it has not discouraged the farmers from growing the plant because of its high turnover compared to other crops.  

Authorities have been launching operations against poppy cultivation for the past four years with largely unsuccessful results.

Four years ago the district police had destroyed poppy plants grown on 77 bighas (30.8 acres) of land. Two

years later poppy farmers were still active in the district. In fact, they were found producing the outlawed plant in larger area of 82 bighas (32.8 acres).    

DSP Dhamala said poppy cultivation was spreading throughout the highlands of the district where the police presence was sparse.