A packet of harmless poppy seeds weighing a little over 800 grams, seized by Manipur Police from Imphal post office, caused quite a stir in the region. Many officials were unaware of the culinary uses of poppy seeds, leading them to mistakenly link it to illegal poppy cultivation in the troubled hill areas of the state. The seeds were found neatly packed with dry fruits in a parcel addressed to an Assam Rifles official in Noney district. The parcel’s sender was listed as someone from Jammu and Kashmir.
Due to the lack of knowledge about poppy seeds commonly being used in Indian cuisine to enhance flavor, the situation escalated. However, the police are expected to confirm the harmless nature of the seeds once their investigation is complete. Poppy seeds, known as “khus khus” in some regions, are widely utilized in various Indian dishes for their unique nutty taste and aromatic qualities.
Although the poppy plant is associated with the production of opium, the extracted seeds from the pods pose no harm. It is important to note that this article has been published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff, excluding the headline.