In a significant breakthrough against drug trafficking, police in Chatra arrested an alleged courier of an inter-state opium smuggling network and seized 2.9 kilograms of wet opium during a vehicle checking drive near the Bihar border on Tuesday.
Arrest and Seizure
The accused, identified as Anil Kumar Yadav, a resident of Sikkid village under Sadar police station in Chatra district, was apprehended near Gosaidih following a tip-off. Chatra Superintendent of Police (SP) Animesh Naithany confirmed the arrest during a press conference.
According to the SP, police received intelligence that a man carrying illegal opium was traveling from the Chatra-Jori side and planned to proceed to New Delhi via Gaya. Acting on this input, a special team led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sandeep Suman initiated intensive checking in the border area.
During the drive, police intercepted a passenger auto-rickshaw and noticed Yadav attempting to flee with a backpack. He was chased and apprehended on the spot. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 2.9 kg of opium, two mobile phones, and Rs 1,200 in cash.
Network Links
The SP stated that the accused was allegedly working as a courier for a larger smuggling network. "After reaching Delhi, he was supposed to receive delivery details and buyer information through mobile communication," Naithany said. He added that interrogation has yielded crucial leads, and the identity of the supplier has been established. Raids are underway to nab other members of the racket.
Naithany emphasized that traffickers operating from Chatra have connections extending to Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana, indicating a widespread inter-state network. The police are now working to dismantle the entire syndicate.
About the Author
Vishvendu Jaipuriar covers Hazaribag and Chatra districts, focusing on crime, politics, and human interest stories. He has covered programs of prominent national and regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their visits to Hazaribag and Chatra. He also covered the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case in depth, with a focus on Hazaribag as a key epicenter.
