Hazaribagh, Jan 23 (IANS) In a major crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade, Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh Police seized 20.5 kg of opium worth approximately Rs 1 crore in the international market by arresting three alleged smugglers on Friday, officials said.
The arrests were made in the Lohsinghna police station area following a tip-off about suspicious movement in the Kolghati area of the city. Acting on the information, police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and launched an investigation.
Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Amit Anand said the police had received specific intelligence that three youths riding a white Apache motorcycle were roaming in the Kolghati area of the city with a consignment of narcotics and were preparing to carry out a major deal.
“The information was immediately verified, after which an SIT was constituted under my supervision. A thorough checking drive was conducted in Kolghati and the surrounding areas,” Anand said.
During the operation, police intercepted a white Apache motorcycle matching the description. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 20.5 kg of opium concealed in a sack placed on the motorcycle. The motorcycle was seized, and the three occupants were taken into custody.
The arrested accused have been identified as Deepak Kumar Dangi, Barun Kumar and Sudesh Yadav, all residents of the Giddhaur police station area in Chatra district.
According to the police, preliminary investigation suggests that the accused may be linked to a larger opium smuggling network operating across districts. Efforts are underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify the intended distribution points.
“Based on the interrogation of the arrested persons, we are trying to map the entire network and identify other individuals involved in the trade,” SDPO Anand said.
An FIR has been registered at Lohsinghna police station under Case No. 07/26 under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is underway.
–IANS
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