SRINAGAR, MAY 27 (KNS): The Excise deptt destroyed poppy cultivation spread over 16 kanals and 8 marlas of land during a massive drive across all excise ranges in Kashmir.

Following the directions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, the Excise department under the close supervision of Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive) Kashmir, Tahir Ajaz conducted Poppy destruction drives in South, North and Central Excise Ranges during which poppy crop was destroyed before the formation of Poppy Seed heads or capsules so that the illicit Cultivators may not misuse it.

The Excise department has till date destroyed the poppy cultivation on a total of 391 kanals 15 marlas of land in Kashmir valley.

An official of Excise deptt said that such drives will continue till the menace is completely rooted out from the society.(KNS)