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Reuters-Bangladesh army to destroy



Subject: Reuters-Bangladesh army to destroy poppy fields 

Bangladesh army to destroy poppy fields
06:15 a.m. Mar 22, 1999 Eastern
BANDARBAN, Bangladesh, March 22 (Reuters) - Bangladesh troops have been
ordered to destroy more than 90 acres (40 hectares) of poppy fields
discovered in southeastern jungles near the borders of India and Myanmar,
the army said on Monday.

``We have discovered some poppy fields with help of police in the deep
jungles of southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts, near the borders with India
and Myanmar,'' said an officer of the army's anti-drug squad.

``The cleaning drive began on Friday and will continue until the whole area
is covered,'' said the officer who declined to be identified.

Army troops burned down opium-yielding poppy plants on some 90 acres in the
Hill Tracts last year. ``But this year's operation would be much bigger
area-wise,'' said the officer without giving further details.

Police said a tribal group backed by international drug operators encouraged
Hill Tracts farmers to cultivate poppy, which is used to make heroin.