THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 29: Latehar police arrested six youths, including a minor, and seized 5.73 grams of brown sugar during a crackdown on drug peddling in the district.
The arrests were made after a police team led by SDPO Sandip Kumar Gupta intercepted three motorcycles at Mounger More while the accused were travelling from Richughutta towards Latehar.
29 Sachets of Brown Sugar Recovered
According to police, the seized contraband was packed in 29 sachets (locally known as puriyas) and recovered in accordance with provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The minor apprehended during the operation was also found in possession of brown sugar, officials said.
Police additionally recovered ₹14,140 in cash and seven mobile phones of various brands from the accused.
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Five Accused Sent to Jail
The five adult accused have been identified as:
- Sonu Singh alias Bhagat (20)
- Ritesh Singh (23)
- Chhatis Singh (22)
- Tabaseer Khan (19)
- Faizan Khan (20)
All five were produced before a court and sent to judicial custody on Thursday. The minor has been sent to an observation home, police said.
Police said three of the accused belong to Ichak village under Jalim post office, while two others are from Patratu village, both in Latehar district.
When asked whether the villages were emerging as hubs of drug trafficking, SDPO Gupta said police had intensified surveillance in the areas.
“These villages are now on the police radar to ascertain whether more youths are involved in drug peddling,” he said.
Crackdown on Drug Network
Officials said Latehar, particularly coal-bearing areas, remains vulnerable to narcotics and alcohol-related crimes due to the circulation of illegal money.
“Our drive against drug peddling will be more intense. Latehar police will spare none. We appeal to youths not to fall into the drug network, the consequences of which are devastating,” Gupta said.
The operation comes days after a major seizure of 140 kg of marijuana near Tori railway crossing in Chandwa police station area. The contraband was recovered from a six-wheeler truck bearing a Rajasthan registration number.
Police had seized the vehicle, though no arrests were made in that case.
Gupta, who took charge as SDPO Latehar on May 21, has launched an intensified drive against narcotics and illicit liquor in the district.