YANGON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have destroyed a total of 133.5 acres (54 hectares) illegally grown opium poppy plantations in eastern Shan state, said a statement of the Home Ministry late Wednesday.
The opium poppy plantations, destroyed on Tuesday, include those grown in Pinlaung, Hopone, Pekon, Hsihseng, Maukmai, Mongnai and Mongpan towns.
Between the period from Oct. 28 to Nov. 23, the authorities had wiped out 177.6 hectares illegally grown opium poppy plantations in several villages in the same state.
Opium destruction is part of the government's efforts to stem opium production in the country.
According to government statistics, poppy was cultivated on 37,300 hectares of land and 520 tons were produced in Myanmar in 2018, down by 9 percent and 5.45 percent respectively as compared with 2017 when poppy was cultivated on 41,000 hectares and 550 tons were produced.
Despite drop in poppy cultivation and production, there was increase in illicit drug seizures and production. In June, Myanmar authorities ceremonially burned seized narcotic drugs worth 301.2 million U.S. dollars in three cities of Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi.
