ISLAMABAD -- Authorities in Hilmand Province in southwestern Afghanistan have established a special force of 300 to keep a check on opium poppy cultivation in the province, Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) reported Tuesday.

The Pakistan-based news agency quoted a spokesman from the provincial governor as contradicting reports that poppy cultivation has reappeared in the province, adding the special 300-strong force has been established to eradicate poppy cultivation.

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