Jharkhand News: Jharkhand Police Seize ₹2.41 Crore Opium and ₹29 Lakh Cash in Ranchi and Hazaribagh

Ranchi, November 09, 2024: In a significant breakthrough, Jharkhand police conducted a coordinated operation leading to the seizure of opium valued at ₹2.41 crores and cash amounting to ₹29 lakh. The operation spanned across Ranchi city and the Chauparan area in Hazaribagh district, culminating in the arrest of a prime suspect, Vijay Kumar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.

Lead Paragraph: A Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort

On Friday, Jharkhand police executed targeted raids in Ranchi and Hazaribagh, disrupting an inter-state drug racket responsible for the opium trade. Authorities seized 48 kilograms of opium, concealed within a luxury vehicle and a substantial amount of cash from a property linked to the arrested ringleader, Vijay Kumar.

Vijay Kumar’s Arrest and Details of the Operation

The suspect, Vijay Kumar, hailing from Lamta village in the Lawalong police station area of Chatra district, was apprehended in a well-coordinated sting operation. Two high-end SUVs, a Fortuner and a Creta, along with a bullet motorcycle, were also confiscated. The vehicles were reportedly used to transport the illegal substances across state borders.

According to Hazaribagh SP Arvind Kumar, the network involved in this operation had links extending beyond Jharkhand, with connections in Punjab and Haryana. “This was a significant seizure, revealing an intricate drug supply chain operating across states,” SP Kumar stated, emphasizing the scale of the racket.

How the Operation Unfolded

Police were alerted about a vehicle carrying a large consignment of opium, traversing the Delhi-Kolkata highway. Acting on this intelligence, officers established checkpoints and began inspecting vehicles near the Kendua More area in the Chauparan police jurisdiction. When a Fortuner vehicle approached, the driver attempted to flee after being signaled to stop. However, police teams managed to intercept the vehicle using strategic roadblocks.

Upon inspection, officers discovered 48 kilograms and 175 grams of opium, hidden in various compartments of the car. This seizure marked one of the largest drug busts in the region, underscoring the meticulous planning and coordination by the police force.

Search and Recovery in Ranchi

Further investigations led to a raid at a property owned by Vijay Kumar in the Sukhdev Nagar area of Ranchi. Here, the police recovered ₹29,03,180 in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug trafficking. Sources indicate that the opium was sourced from different areas in Khunti district, which has long been a hotspot for illegal poppy cultivation.

Inter-State Drug Network Uncovered

The operation exposed a complex network of suppliers and traffickers with far-reaching connections. The arrested suspect disclosed that the opium was intended for distribution in states such as Punjab and Haryana. This revelation prompted law enforcement agencies to coordinate with their counterparts in these states, launching joint efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the drug syndicate.

The police team responsible for this operation included Barhi SDPO Ajit Kumar, Chauparan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Anupam Prakash and SI Ravi Ranjan. Additional support was provided by armed police forces and the technical cell, ensuring the operation’s success.

Implications for Drug Trafficking in Jharkhand

This high-value seizure highlights the persistent challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating drug trafficking in Jharkhand. The region, known for poppy cultivation, has been a focal point for traffickers seeking to capitalize on the lucrative opium trade. With this significant crackdown, authorities hope to deter future operations and dismantle similar networks.

SP Arvind Kumar emphasized, “Collaborative efforts with other states are crucial in tracing and eliminating these criminal networks. This is a step forward in ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”

Public and Law Enforcement Reactions

The successful raid has drawn praise from both the public and senior police officials. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of the officers involved. However, officials caution that this bust is part of a larger, ongoing effort to curb the drug trade in the state.

Efforts to gather more intelligence are underway, with police investigating possible links between Vijay Kumar and other known drug operatives in neighboring states.