Thousands of hectares of cannabis in the mountains destroyed by task force

IIn its latest crackdown on cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, India (Kullu), the Central Narcotics Bureau destroyed more than 1.032 hectares of weed in the past two weeks.

Drone footage released by the agency shows mounds of mature cannabis – spread over 10 square kilometers – that remain one of the mainstays of the local 'black' economy.

Detecting cannabis with drones and satellite images

Acting on specific intelligence, the agency deployed four teams, a press release said. Officers conducted further investigations, which resulted in the detection of more illegal growing areas. Drones were deployed and satellite images of suspicious areas were also taken.

Officers climbed up to 3500 feet above sea level daily and even camped in sensitive areas to destroy the drugs. It Central Bureau of Narcotics works under the Department of Revenue. Destroying and discouraging the illegal cultivation of cannabis and opium is one of its main tasks. It has conducted similar operations in West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Uttarakhand, resulting in the dismantling of 25.000 hectares of illegal opium and cannabis cultivation over the years.

“Mission Crackdown will continue with the same vigor in other parts of the country,” said Rajesh F Dhabre, narcotics commissioner.

Source: ndtv.com (EN)