Raipur:The Tamnar Police have uncovered a large-scale illegal opium plantation in Amaghat village, seizing crops and processed drugs valued at approximately ₹2.05 crore. One accused has been arrested, while two suspects remain absconding.
Acting on a tip-off received on the night of 19 March, a joint police team led by SHO Inspector Prashant Rao carried out a raid near Bhair Nala. The operation was conducted under the direction of SSP Shashi Mohan Singh, with support from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and police teams from Punjipathra and Lailunga.
During the raid, police arrested Marshal Sanga (40), a resident of Khunti, Jharkhand, currently living in Amaghat. However, his two accomplices managed to escape from the spot. Investigation revealed that opium cultivation was spread across land divided into five khasra numbers.
A multi-departmental team, including officials from the Excise Department, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Agriculture Department, and Revenue Department, inspected the site. The FSL team confirmed that the plants were opium poppy. Revenue records show the land is registered under multiple names, including Keelo Project and local individuals.
Police recovered 60,326 opium plants weighing 2,877 kg, estimated to be worth nearly ₹1.90 crore. Based on the accused’s confession, a follow-up search at his residence led to the recovery of 3.02 kg processed opium, valued at around ₹15.10 lakh.
“Strict action against the illegal drug trade is being taken in Raigarh district under ‘Operation Aghaat’. Our teams are conducting continuous raids to arrest the absconding accused,” said SSP Shashi Mohan Singh.
Police have registered a case against Marshal Sanga, Immanuel Bhengra, and Siprian Bhengra under Sections 8(b) and 18 of the NDPS Act.
