In a major breakthrough under the ongoing State-wide campaign against narcotics, the Madhya Pradesh Police have seized over 7,890 kilograms (78 quintals) of illicit opium crops following a week-long series of raids across Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Damoh districts. The estimated market value of the seized haul is pegged at over Rs 3 crore in the international market. Investigations revealed a sophisticated modus operandi adopted by smugglers to evade detection by law enforcement agencies. In several areas of Digoda (Tikamgarh) and Damoh, illegal opium beds were strategically surrounded by tall wheat crops. From a distance, the fields appeared to be standard wheat plantations, while the core of the farmland was being utilised for the large-scale cultivation of prohibited opium.

 

The largest recovery was reported from Suhela village under the Tejgarh police station limits in Damoh. Acting on a specific tip-off, a large police contingent, supported by labourers, raided a two-and-a-half-acre plantation. The team uprooted and seized 6,331.5 kilograms of opium plants, valued at approximately Rs 1.89 crore. In Chhatarpur’s Garhimalhara area, police inspected a field in Urdmau village and discovered opium poppies spanning half an acre. A total of 1,140 kilograms of plants were seized, with a market valuation of around Rs 70 lakh. The police are currently tracing the landowner and others linked to this narcotics network. Similarly, in Pratapura village of Tikamgarh’s Digoda area, smugglers had concealed opium plants amidst a lush wheat crop. Upon detailed inspection, the police team discovered the illegal crop and seized 419.1 kilograms of opium, worth over Rs 45 lakh.