Pubdate: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 Source: Reuters Copyright: 1999 Reuters Limited. 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Patrick Henry