Jharkhand police seize 20.5 kg Opium, Arrest 3 in Hazaribag

In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Jharkhand Police have arrested three persons and seized illegal opium worth approximately Rs 1 crore in Hazaribag district, officials said on Friday.

The arrests were made on Thursday following a specific tip-off. Acting swiftly on the information, a police team intercepted a motorcycle near Kolgati village under the Lohsinghna police station limits. Upon searching the vehicle, officers recovered 20.5 kilograms of opium concealed with the accused.

Confirming the operation, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Headquarters) Amit Kumar Anand said all three individuals were taken into custody on the spot. “Three persons have been arrested with 20.5 kg of opium. The market value of the seized contraband is estimated to be around Rs 1 crore,” Anand stated.

Police said the arrested persons are residents of neighbouring Chatra district. However, their identities have not been disclosed so far, as the investigation is still at a preliminary stage. The motorcycle used for transporting the contraband has also been seized.

According to officials, the accused are suspected to be part of a wider drug trafficking network operating across district borders. Police are now questioning them to ascertain the source of the opium, the intended destination, and whether other individuals are involved in the racket.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is underway. Authorities said more arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.

Jharkhand Police have intensified surveillance and enforcement in recent months amid growing concerns over the use of the state’s forested and rural routes for the illegal movement of narcotics.