May 26:```Continuing its efforts to root out the menace of drugs, Police launched extensive drive to destroy illegal poppy cultivation in Awantipora and arrested 10 persons for cultivation of illegal poppy.

Police party of Police Station Awantipora under the supervision of SDPO Awantipora destroyed illegal poppy cultivation spread over more than 40 kanals of land in Chersoo area of Awantipora and have arrested 10 persons involved in illegal cultivation of poppy. They have been identified as Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Mohd Akram Bhat, Abdul Rashid Bhat, Ghulam Mohi Din Reshi, Mohd Iqbal Reshi, Ali Mohd Bhat, Abdul Hamid Reshi, Bashir Ahmad Wani, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi and Bashir Ahmad Bhat all residents of Chersoo Awantipora. They have been shifted to Police Station Awantipora where they remain in custody.

Case under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Awantipora and investigation into the matter has been initiated.

General public of the area have appreciated the action of police and have urged to continue such drive in nearby areas also.

Community members are requested to come forward with any information regarding cultivation of contrabands in their neighbourhood. Persons found indulging in drug peddling & cultivation of contraband substances shall be dealt as per law.```