Police in Jharkhand’s Chatra district apprehended a suspected courier of an interstate drug ring with 2.9 kg of illegal wet opium valued at nearly Rs 17 lakh. The arrest of Anil Kumar Yadav took place during a routine vehicle check near the Jharkhand-Bihar border. Authorities are actively pursuing the main supplier and other accomplices linked to the network.
During a press briefing at the Collectorate, Chatra Superintendent of Police Animesh Naithani disclosed that the police had received specific intelligence regarding a youth transporting a significant opium consignment from Chatra-Jori towards Delhi via Bihar’s Gaya district. Acting swiftly on this information, a specialized team, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, was formed to conduct a thorough search operation near Gosaidih on the Jharkhand-Bihar border.
Upon intercepting a passenger tempo during the operation, a suspicious individual attempted to flee with a black backpack upon noticing the police presence. However, law enforcement officers managed to apprehend him before he could escape. A subsequent search of the bag uncovered 2.9 kg of wet opium, two smartphones, and Rs 1,200 in cash.
SP Naithani revealed that the detained individual was operating as a courier for a larger interstate drug network. Initial investigations indicated that he was tasked with transporting the contraband to Delhi, where he would receive further instructions regarding the delivery location and buyer details via phone calls. The interrogation of the suspect has provided valuable insights into the syndicate’s modus operandi and supply chain, leading to the identification of the primary supplier, who is anticipated to be arrested soon.
Authorities noted that the illicit opium network based in Chatra has connections reaching into Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. There are suspicions that the accused had previously delivered drug shipments to various states on multiple occasions.
