Chatra: An alleged drugs peddler was arrested with around 4 kg of opium, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh, police said on Thursday. The accused was identified as Ramcharan Dangi alias Ramchandra Dangi, a resident of Japua village under the Gidhaur police station area.
Operation Based on Intelligence
Chatra Superintendent of Police Animesh Naithany stated that acting on specific inputs, a police team was formed to apprehend the suspect. The information indicated that a resident of Japua village was waiting on the Chatra-Hazaribag Main Road with narcotic substances, intending to catch a bus for Hazaribag. A team led by Simaria Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubham Nagar Goje Bhausaheb was deployed to intercept the individual.
Arrest and Seizure
During the operation, the police team spotted a man near Japua village carrying a bag and standing in suspicious circumstances by the roadside. On seeing the police, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee towards nearby bushes, but the officers chased and overpowered him. Upon searching the bag, police recovered three plastic packets containing approximately 4 kg of opium. Additionally, a smartphone was seized from his possession.
Further investigation revealed around 2 kg of a jaggery-like substance, which was allegedly meant to be mixed with the opium to increase its weight before sale. This adulteration method is commonly used by drug peddlers to maximize profits.
Legal Action
A case was registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Gidhaur police station. The accused was produced before a court and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Police Commitment
Speaking about the operation, SP Animesh Naithany emphasized the police department's commitment to curbing drug abuse. "Protecting society and the youth from drug abuse is our top priority. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in cultivation, smuggling, or sale of opium," he said. The police continue to investigate the source of the opium and any potential links to larger drug networks.
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in the region, with authorities intensifying patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts.
