In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Chatra police seized a substantial quantity of illegal doda (opium husk) valued at approximately Rs 42 lakh from the Pratappur police station area on Sunday. The operation led to the arrest of Ajay Kumar Saw (27), who was caught red-handed while attempting to conceal the contraband under paddy sacks to evade detection. However, the alert police team foiled his plans through a well-coordinated raid.
Details of the Operation
According to Sandeep Suman, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Chatra Sadar, the police received a tip-off that illegal doda was being transported to Bihar in a goods auto, cleverly hidden beneath paddy sacks. The vehicle was reportedly coming from the Kunda block side. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a special raiding team was constituted under the leadership of the Chatra SDPO. The team included Pratappur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Alok Ranjan Chaudhary and armed personnel.
Raiding and Recovery
The team conducted a thorough checking drive near Balwadohar village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Pratappur police station. During the operation, a brown-colored auto rickshaw approaching from Kunda was flagged down and subjected to a meticulous inspection. Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered a total of 282 kilograms of illegal doda, packed in 10 separate sacks, hidden beneath the paddy bags. The contraband was immediately seized, and the driver, identified as Ajay Kumar Saw, was arrested on the spot.
Interrogation and Legal Action
During interrogation, the accused revealed that the consignment was intended for supply in Bihar. The SDPO confirmed that the police have registered a case at the Pratappur police station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 3(5) of the Bihar National Security (BNS) Act. Following his arrest, the accused has been remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Significance of the Seizure
This seizure marks a major success for the Chatra police in their ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the region. The recovery of such a large quantity of doda, with a street value of Rs 42 lakh, underscores the scale of the illicit narcotics network operating in the area. The police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on drug peddlers and ensuring that such contraband does not reach the streets.
About the Author
Vishvendu Jaipuriar covers Hazaribag and Chatra districts, focusing on crime, politics, and human interest stories. He has extensively covered the programs of prominent national and regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their visits to Hazaribag and Chatra. He also provided in-depth coverage of the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, with a particular focus on Hazaribag as a key epicenter of the scandal.
