Dharashiv Police Intensify Crackdown with Third Major Opium Seizure in a Week
In a significant enforcement action, the Dharashiv police have seized approximately 100 kilograms of illegal opium pods and plants, with an estimated value of Rs 15 lakh, from an agricultural field in Kalamb taluka. This operation, conducted late on Friday, represents the third major bust against unlawful opium cultivation in the district within just one week, highlighting a heightened focus on combating narcotic activities in the region.
Details of the Kalamb Raid and Arrest
The Kalamb police team executed the raid around 7:15 PM at agricultural land bearing Gat No. 316 in Kanherwadi village. During the search, authorities discovered 10 white plastic sacks containing fresh green opium leaves, along with pods and roots. The materials were allegedly cultivated and stored for illegal sale. The accused, identified as Vilas Kawade, a resident of Kanherwadi in Kalamb taluka, has been arrested. Police stated that the opium crop was grown in his field with the explicit intention of selling it illegally. The entire stock was seized on the spot, and a case has been registered under sections 8(c) and 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Separate Paranda Raid and Additional Seizure
In a parallel operation on the same day, the Paranda police conducted a separate raid around 5:40 PM at agricultural land bearing Gat 09 in Asu village. During this search, the team found 36 opium plants, bearing leaves and pods, weighing 1.3 kilograms and collectively valued at Rs 19,590. The arrested accused in this case has been identified as Jayjayram Jadhav (63), a resident of Asu village. Police alleged that the opium plants were cultivated in his field for illegal sale. A case has been registered against him under sections 8(b) and 8(c) of the NDPS Act at Paranda police station.
Police Statements and Intensified Surveillance
Dharashiv Superintendent of Police Ritu Khokher Kalyan emphasized that the district police have ramped up surveillance on illegal narcotic cultivation following consecutive detections this week. She stated, "We are conducting targeted operations based on specific intelligence inputs. Action will continue against those involved in illegal opium plantation, storage, and trafficking." This proactive approach underscores the commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes in the area.
Earlier Seizure and Ongoing Investigations
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, the Dharashiv local crime branch seized 485.6 kilograms of illegally cultivated opium plants worth Rs 72.8 lakh from an agricultural field in Washi taluka of the district. The accused farmer, identified as Samadhan Ughade, a resident of Dashmegav, allegedly fled after learning about the impending raid and is currently absconding. With three separate seizures in Washi, Paranda, and Kalamb over three days, the Dharashiv police have indicated that the possibility of uncovering more illegal plantations of opium and other narcotic substances in remote rural pockets cannot be ruled out. This series of actions reflects a sustained effort to disrupt drug networks and enforce the law rigorously.
