Ranchi/Palamu: In a major crackdown on narcotics, Jharkhand Police seized over 700 kg of illegal doda—a key raw material used in making opium—during coordinated raids in Ranchi and Palamu on Tuesday.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspected smugglers, along with the recovery of cash and a vehicle used for transporting the contraband. The action is part of an intensified statewide drive against drug trafficking.
In Palamu, acting on a tip-off received by Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan, a special team led by DSP Rajiv Ranjan carried out a late-night operation in the Manatu थाना area. Around 12:30 a.m., police intercepted an SUV during routine checking near the police station.
Upon searching the vehicle, officials recovered 216 kg of doda. Two individuals—Sanjeev Sharma from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and Nizamuddin Rain from Garhwa—were arrested on the spot. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹35 lakh in the illegal market.
During questioning, the accused revealed that the consignment had been sourced from the Lawalong and Pratappur areas in Chatra district and was being transported to Uttar Pradesh for sale at higher prices, suggesting the existence of an inter-state smuggling network.
In a separate operation in Ranchi, police raided a house in the Namkum area based on specific intelligence inputs. The raid led to the seizure of approximately 500 kg of doda, along with more than ₹2 lakh in cash. One person has been arrested in this case and is currently being interrogated.
Police officials said efforts are ongoing to trace the entire supply chain and dismantle the larger network involved in the illegal trade. Investigators are also looking into the possible role of white-collar individuals linked to the racket.
Authorities further revealed that one of the accused, Nizamuddin Rain, has a prior criminal record, with cases registered against him under the NDPS Act.