Sadar police in Chatra have dismantled an inter-state opium smuggling racket with the arrest of four peddlers, including two from Punjab, officials said on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off received by Chatra Superintendent of Police Animesh Nathani, a special team led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sandeep Suman conducted a raid that led to the recovery of 1.3 kilograms of opium, along with a car, four mobile phones, and Rs 5,000 in cash.
Details of the Operation
The seized opium is estimated to be worth around Rs 7 lakh. SDPO Sandeep Suman identified the accused as Santosh Kumar Dangi and Rupesh Kumar Yadav, both residents of Chatra, and Harendra Singh and Davindarpal Singh, residents of Jalandhar and Shahkot in Punjab, respectively. According to Suman, the gang was attempting to transport a large consignment of opium through the Tikar-Jitni road under the jurisdiction of the Sadar police station.
Interception and Recovery
A special team was formed to conduct an intensive vehicle checking drive. During the drive, the car was intercepted and searched, leading to the recovery of the contraband. The SDPO stated that the accused had procured the opium from the Lawalong area in Chatra and were planning to transport it to Punjab. This indicates a well-established inter-state network stretching from Jharkhand to Punjab.
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Chatra police to curb drug trafficking in the region. Further investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the network and identify other possible members.
