Ever wondered how the naxals get the money to procure latest arms and sustain their growing cadre?

The answer lies in the obscure world of illicit cultivation of narcotic substances.

Sources in the country's anti-narcotic agencies say large scale illegal cultivation of opium and ganja takes place in naxal-affect-ed areas especially in States such as Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

At places where the naxals do not directly get involved in the illicit cultivation, they charge money for providing protection to those involved in the practice.

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