Ranchi, Feb 14 (NationPress) In a targeted operation, law enforcement has eradicated opium farming valued at around Rs 125 crore across four districts in Jharkhand -- Ranchi, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan, and Chaibasa.

This operation commenced on February 5 and has resulted in the apprehension of 86 individuals linked to this illicit trade. Police reports indicate that opium cultivation spanning 9,871 acres in these regions has been located and destroyed using tractors and grass-cutting equipment.

It is projected that each acre of poppy farming yields approximately three to four kilograms of opium, with market values ranging between Rs four to five lakh per kilogram. This initiative has effectively halted opium worth nearly Rs 125 crore from entering the marketplace.

The Director General of Police has mandated a special operation against opium cultivation under a 'Zero Tolerance Policy'.

Police Superintendents in the four districts, alongside 11 DSPs and SDPOs assigned to every subdivision, are leading this initiative. Furthermore, an additional 1,500 personnel have been deployed to assist local police.

Among the four districts, Khunti experienced the most extensive destruction of opium, with 6,473 acres eradicated and 55 arrests made in the areas of Murhu, Arki, Khunti, Sayko, and Maranghada.

In Ranchi, 2,484 acres of opium were destroyed in the police station regions of Bundu, Tamar, Dassam Falls, Rahe, Sonahatu, and Namkum, resulting in 19 arrests.

Likewise, 12 arrests were made following the destruction of opium crops in 394 acres across the police areas of Bandgaon, Tebo, Karaikela, and Toklo in Chaibasa district, and 520 acres in the regions of Kuchai, Ichagarh, Chauka, and Kharsawan in Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

During this campaign, community meetings have been held to inform citizens about the harmful effects of opium farming on society and the severe legal repercussions for those participating in this illegal activity.

Individuals are being made aware that engaging in illegal opium cultivation can lead to imprisonment of up to 20 years and substantial fines.

According to Inspector General of Police for South Chotanagpur, Akhilesh Jha, the costs incurred from the destruction of opium on the lands of those arrested will also be reclaimed from them.

Police are now utilizing satellite imagery to identify opium farming in remote forest regions.