LANZHOU - Forestry department in Northwest China's Gansu province said on Tuesday that a drone was used to monitor poppy cultivation in remote mountain areas.

The 1.5-kg drone, with four propellers and a high-definition camera, can fly as high as 6,000 meters (about 20,000 feet) and monitor an area of 12 square kilometers.

The drone can transfer photos and videos of suspect areas that are either too remote or dangerous for them to reach. With the help of an infrared device, the exact location and area can be determined.