Major Drug Bust in Hazaribag: Seven Peddlers Apprehended Near Nagwa Airstrip
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Hazaribag police have arrested seven drug peddlers from the vicinity of Nagwa aerodrome under the jurisdiction of Korra police station. The operation, conducted on Friday, led to the seizure of substantial contraband and assets from the accused individuals.
Substantial Contraband and Assets Confiscated
Law enforcement officials recovered a total of 166.5 grams of brown sugar along with Rs 3.51 lakh in cash from the possession of the arrested individuals. Additionally, police confiscated two motorcycles and six mobile phones that were allegedly used in the illicit drug trade. The seizures were officially confirmed by police authorities on Saturday following the successful operation.
Identities of the Arrested Accused
The police have identified the seven individuals taken into custody during the raid:
- Santosh Kumar Saw (38) - Resident of Piticha village in Chatra district, identified as the kingpin of the operation
- Yogesh Prasad (33) - Hailing from Pitij in Chatra district
- Dharmendra Kumar Singh (27) - From Dulha, Rajpur in Chatra district
- Sawan Kumar (19) - Resident of Premnagar Sindoor in Korra
- Santosh Kumar (33) - From Jamuwari under Ichak block
- Prashant Kumar (28) - Hailing from Khirgaon under Bara Bazaar outpost
- Anil Kumar (34) - Resident of Nagwa in Hazaribag
Police Operation Based on Specific Intelligence
Hazaribag Superintendent of Police Anjani Anjan revealed that authorities received specific intelligence on Friday regarding a planned sale of a large consignment of brown sugar near the Nagwa airstrip. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a police team led by Sadar sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Amit Anand conducted a raid on a dilapidated house located in close proximity to the airstrip.
"Our team successfully confiscated the drugs during the operation," stated SP Anjan. "The suspects present at the location were chased and apprehended by our officers in a coordinated effort."
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Custody
A formal case has been registered with Korra police station against all seven accused individuals under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Following their arrest, all accused persons have been remanded to judicial custody as legal proceedings continue.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to police that they had been sourcing brown sugar from Chatra district and distributing it across various parts of Hazaribag, establishing a clear supply chain for the illicit substance.
Continued Anti-Drug Operations in Hazaribag District
SP Anjan highlighted that this latest operation is part of an ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking in the region. The police official provided details of previous successful operations conducted earlier this year:
- In January, under Lohsighna police station limits, authorities seized 20.5 kilograms of opium and arrested three accused individuals
- During the same month, from Ichak and Korra areas, police confiscated 212.7 grams of brown sugar and apprehended 14 accused persons
- Under Daru Police Station jurisdiction, law enforcement officials seized 48.01 kilograms of marijuana in anti-drug operations
These consecutive operations demonstrate the Hazaribag police's committed efforts to combat the narcotics trade and disrupt supply networks operating within the district and surrounding regions.
