Major Drug Bust in Jharkhand: Uttar Pradesh Resident Among Two Arrested with 216 Kg Poppy Straw
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Manatu police in Jharkhand apprehended two drug peddlers early Tuesday, seizing a massive 216 kilograms of poppy straw, commonly known as Doda. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sanjiv Sharma, a 36-year-old resident of Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh, and Nizamuddin Rayen, a 44-year-old from Garhwa district in Jharkhand.
Interception Near Police Station Leads to Arrest
According to SP Reeshma Ramesan, the suspects were traveling in a car towards Robertsgang in Uttar Pradesh when they were intercepted near the gate of the Manatu police station. The police seized the vehicle along with two mobile phones during the operation. Initial investigations reveal that the duo had procured the poppy straw from a supplier in Pratappur, located in Chatra district. Authorities have confirmed that further probe is underway to uncover additional links in the drug network.
Criminal History and Escape of Accomplices
Notably, Nizamuddin Rayen is a history-sheeter who was previously out on bail under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 2020. During the arrest, two unidentified bikers accompanying the car managed to flee the scene, as reported by the police. Efforts are ongoing to track down these individuals and determine their involvement in the trafficking operation.
Emerging Drug Route from Palamu to Bareilly
SP Reeshma Ramesan highlighted a concerning trend, stating, "Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a new recipient of poppy straw or opium from Palamu. The Palamu residents provide logistics and material." This revelation underscores the expanding reach of drug trafficking networks, with Palamu district in Jharkhand serving as a key source for illicit substances being transported to Uttar Pradesh.
The arrest marks a critical step in combating drug peddling in the region, with authorities intensifying efforts to dismantle such operations and curb the flow of narcotics across state borders.
