Drones to be deployed to destroy hidden marijuana plantations

The Centre has decided to deploy drones to destroy marijuana plantations before the crop is harvested and finds its way into the hands of the drug cartels. A decision has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs with states and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on board to investigate illegal operations suspected to be carried out by the farmers in some states, along with other crops to conceal the prohibited activities. The Centre will use satellites to detect marijuana crops by penetrating the lighter foliage and drones will subsequently destroy the plants.

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Drones could be deployed to carry out spraying of chemicals to destroy the crops. Efforts to be made for getting to the root of the supply chain in drugs and identify the drug-terror nexus. India is following the modus operandi adopted by the US in dealing with marijuana plantations. US authorities have been using airplanes and drones to detect and destroy illegal plantations. Last year alone saw 414 tons of plant being seized in more than 24,000 cases.