Massive Crackdown on Opium: Police Destroy Crops Worth ₹125 Crore, 86 Arrested
Ranchi (The Uttam Hindu): During a special operation, the police have destroyed opium cultivation worth around Rs 125 crores in four districts of Jharkhand, Ranchi, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Chaibasa. So far, 86 people involved in this illegal trade have been arrested during the operation which began on February 5. According to the official figures provided by the police, opium cultivation done in a total area of 9871 acres in these four districts has been detected and destroyed with the help of tractors and grass cutter machines.
It was told that on an average, three to four kilograms of opium is produced from poppy cultivation in one acre area and the price of one kilogram of opium in the market is four to five lakh rupees. In this way, opium worth about 125 crore rupees has been prevented from reaching the market from these areas.
The state's Director General of Police has directed to run a special drive against opium cultivation under the 'Zero Tolerance Policy'. Apart from the Superintendents of Police of these four districts, the SDPOs posted in all the subdivisions and 11 DSPs have been given the command of this special drive. Apart from the police force of the police stations, 1500 additional forces have been deputed with them.
It has been reported that among these four districts, opium cultivation has been destroyed on the largest scale in Khunti. 55 people have been arrested along with destroying opium crop in 6473 acres in Muruhu, Adki, Khunti, Sayko and Maranghada police station areas of the district. In Ranchi district, opium cultivation has been detected and destroyed in 2484 acres in Bundu, Tamar, Dashamfal, Rahe, Sonahatu and Namkum police station areas and a total of 19 people have been arrested.
Similarly, 12 people have been arrested for destroying 394 acres of opium crop in Bandgaon, Tebo, Karaikela, Toklo police station areas of Chaibasa district and 520 acres of opium crop in Kuchai, Ichagarh, Chauka, Kharsawan police station areas of Seraikela-Kharsawan district. During the campaign, by organizing meetings and gatherings at various places, the common citizens are being made aware about the ill effects of opium cultivation on the society and the strict legal provisions regarding involvement in this illegal business.
People are being told that illegal cultivation of opium is punishable by imprisonment of up to 20 years along with a heavy fine. Inspector General of Police of South Chotanagpur, Akhilesh Jha, said that the amount spent in destroying opium cultivation will be recovered from those on whose land opium cultivation has been found. Police is using satellite images to detect opium cultivation in remote forest areas.
