BANGLADESH ARMY TO DESTROY POPPY FIELDS

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.