Raigarh, India — Police in Raigarh have uncovered a large-scale illegal opium cultivation operation in a remote village, seizing narcotics valued at over ₹2.05 crore (approximately $250,000 USD). The operation, carried out in Amaghat village under Tamnar police jurisdiction, has led to the arrest of one suspect, while two others remain on the run.
According to officials, the raid followed a tip-off received on the night of March 19–20 about illicit opium farming near a stream in the Kharraghat area. Acting on the intelligence, a joint police team, supported by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), launched a coordinated raid.
At the scene, officers found extensive opium cultivation spread across two खेत (plots of land). During the operation, two individuals fled, but one suspect—identified as 40-year-old Marshal Sanga, originally from Khunti district—was apprehended.
Massive Seizure
Authorities reported the seizure of:
- 60,326 opium plants, weighing approximately 2,877 kilograms
- 3.02 kilograms of processed opium, recovered from the suspect’s residence
The total estimated value of the confiscated narcotics stands at ₹2.05 crore.
Forensic experts confirmed that the plants were indeed opium poppy. Additional teams from the excise, agriculture, and revenue departments were called to the site for verification and land assessment.
Organized Operation
During interrogation, Sanga admitted that he had no legal authorization to cultivate opium and revealed that he was assisted by two associates from Jharkhand—identified as Immanuel Bhengra and Cyprian Bhengra—both currently absconding.
The land used for cultivation reportedly belongs to multiple individuals and is divided across five plots, raising questions about land use oversight and possible complicity.
Legal Action and Ongoing Search
Police have registered a case under India’s stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, specifically Sections 8(b) and 18, which deal with illegal cultivation and possession of opium.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh stated that the crackdown is part of an ongoing anti-drug campaign dubbed “Operation Aaghat.” He emphasized that authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle narcotics networks in the region and are actively pursuing the remaining suspects.
“We are taking strict action against illegal drug operations. Raids are ongoing to ensure the arrest of all individuals involved,” Singh said.
Broader Context
Illegal opium cultivation remains a serious concern in parts of India, often linked to organized crime networks. Authorities say operations like this highlight the need for stronger surveillance and inter-state coordination.
Police teams continue to conduct raids at possible hideouts of the absconding suspects, and further arrests are expected in the coming days.