Dharashiv Police Uncover Major Opium Cultivation Operation
In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of the Dharashiv district police executed a raid on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of 485.7 kilograms of illegally cultivated opium plants. The contraband, with an estimated street value of Rs 72.84 lakh, was discovered in an agricultural field located in Washi taluka, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Tip-Off Leads to Dramatic Raid
Acting on a specific intelligence tip regarding illicit opium cultivation in survey number 163 at Dashmegaon village, an LCB team swiftly moved into action. The raid, conducted on Wednesday, revealed a cunning attempt by the accused farmer to conceal the illegal crop. According to Superintendent of Police Ritu Khokher Kalyan, the opium plants were strategically intercropped with onions, exploiting their similar appearance during the early growth stages.
"In the initial phases, opium saplings closely resemble onion plants, making detection extremely difficult. It is only when buds and flowers emerge that they become distinguishable," Kalyan explained. This deceptive tactic highlights the sophisticated methods employed by illicit growers to evade law enforcement.
Farmer Flees, Investigation Intensifies
The accused farmer, described as financially stable by authorities, managed to flee the scene upon learning of the impending raid. Local Crime Branch Inspector Vinod Ijjapwar stated, "He escaped before the police team arrived. A search operation has been launched to trace and arrest him." Preliminary investigations suggest the cultivation was carried out without any license, driven by personal financial gain.
During the operation, officials observed numerous opium plants adorned with white and pink flowers and mature pods, meticulously hidden among the onion crops. In the presence of Washi deputy tehsildar Kisan Sangale and two government panch witnesses, the police meticulously uprooted and seized the entire 485.7kg of plants, ensuring proper documentation and chain of custody.
Legal Action and Broader Probe
Following the seizure, a formal complaint was filed by sub-inspector Sudarshan Kasar on behalf of the government. The Washi police have registered a case against the absconding farmer under sections 8(c) and 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which pertain to illegal cultivation and possession of narcotic substances.
Superintendent Kalyan emphasized that police have been directed to identify any individuals who might have been directly or indirectly connected through forward or backward linkages in this illicit operation. "Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused acted alone or was part of a larger narcotics network," she added, indicating that this seizure could be the tip of a more extensive criminal enterprise.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking in rural areas, where agricultural activities can sometimes mask illegal operations. The Dharashiv police remain vigilant, with efforts focused on apprehending the fugitive farmer and dismantling any associated networks to prevent future occurrences.
