In a major breakthrough against inter-state narcotics trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANC) of Nagpur Rural Police has busted an organised opium (Afeem) smuggling network operating between Jharkhand and Maharashtra. During a high-risk operation in Jharkhand’s Simdega district, police seized 33 kg 767 grams of opium worth more than Rs 1.68 crore, along with cash amounting to Rs 23.35 lakh. Police described the operation as the result of days of technical surveillance, intelligence gathering, and continuous tracking of the supply chain. So far, two accused have been arrested, while investigators are now trying to identify other members linked to the network. The total value of the seized material including narcotics, cash, mobile phones, weighing equipment and other materials - is estimated at Rs 1,92,36,500.

 

The case first surfaced on May 20, when the ANC intercepted a truck driver near Udasa Flyover on the Umred-Nagpur Road during routine patrolling under Umred police station limits. During the search, police recovered 237.170 grams of opium worth Rs 1.18 lakh, along with an Android mobile phone and the vehicle being used for transportation. Later, a case was registered at Umred Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Realising the seriousness of the case and the possibility of a larger interstate network, Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh A Poddar and Additional SP Anil Mhaske formed a special investigation team to dig deeper into the supply chain.

 

“The objective was not just to arrest carriers, but to break the complete chain - from suppliers to receivers,” SP Dr Poddar said. According to police officials, the investigation involved technical analysis, confidential intelligence inputs and continuous surveillance to trace the source of the contraband and identify those connected to the racket. Acting on specific leads, the police team travelled to Bhandartoli village in the Karpanadash area of Simdega district, Jharkhand. On May 25, they arrested Manishkumar Ambika Prasad (46), a hotel businessman and resident of the village. During a search of his residence, police recovered a large quantity of opium allegedly concealed inside the premises. Officials seized 33 kg 767 grams of opium valued at Rs 1,68,83,500, cash worth Rs 23,35,000, a weighing machine, plastic packaging material, rubber bands, and a mobile handset.

 

Addl SP Mhaske said the operation highlights the growing challenge posed by organised narcotics syndicates operating across state borders. “These networks function in a very systematic manner across multiple states. Breaking them requires coordination, intelligence-based policing and sustained investigation,” he said. Police sources said investigators are now focusing on identifying other suppliers, transporters, financiers, and local receivers connected to the network. Senior officers believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to the narcotics network operating between Jharkhand and Maharashtra. “This is not merely a seizure. It is a major breakthrough against organised drug-trafficking,” a senior officer associated with the investigation said. Further investigation is underway. 

 

Opium, commonly known as “Afeem”, is a narcotic substance obtained from the latex of the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). Farmers make small cuts on the poppy pod, from which a milky sap oozes out and later dries into a brown sticky substance called raw opium. It is illegally processed and trafficked in many regions. Users consume it by smoking, eating, or mixing it with other substances. In the illegal market, the rate of raw opium generally ranges between Rs 4,000 and Rs 8,000 per gram, depending on purity, source and supply network.