Manjhar (Bihar), Feb 22 : Police has destroyed opium crops worth over 20 million rupees, reportedly grown by Maoists in Bihar's Manjhar village.

Following intelligence reports, police personnel swooped down on the village where a poppy was being grown on over one and a half acres of land.

"It was planted in one and a half acres of land in different plots. The produce is worth over 20 million rupees in the International market. Investigation would be carried out to identify the culprits," said Amit Kumar Jain, Superintendent of Police, Gaya.

According to the police, Maoists often force villagers to cultivate opium on their farms to fund their operations.

The farmers oblige in anticipation of acquiring a rich dividend.

Thirty-two out of 38 districts in Bihar are Naxalite affected.

Bihar shares borders with Nepal, one of the biggest markets for opium. (ANI)