West Bengal Man Apprehended in Deoghar with Significant Brown Sugar Cache
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement authorities in Deoghar arrested a man from West Bengal late on Thursday, seizing a substantial quantity of brown sugar valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh. The accused, identified as Ajay Mardi, a resident of Asansol in the West Bardhaman district, was found in possession of 130 grams of the illicit substance, meticulously packaged in 317 individual pouches.
Police Operation and Seizure Details
The arrest was executed under the leadership of Subdivisional Police Officer Ashok Kumar Singh, with a dedicated police team intercepting Mardi within the jurisdiction of the Jasidih police station. Authorities acted on intelligence indicating that Mardi was on the verge of distributing the contraband to local addicts. In addition to the narcotics, police confiscated a mobile phone and a railway ticket from Kali Pahari in Asansol to Jasidih railway station, providing crucial evidence of his movements.
Investigation and Network Disruption Efforts
Deoghar Superintendent of Police Saurabh revealed that Mardi had been sourcing the brown sugar from West Bengal with the intent to supply it to buyers in the Deoghar area. "He had successfully evaded capture until this operation," the SP stated. During interrogation, Mardi disclosed information about several accomplices, and police are currently investigating their roles in the smuggling network. The SP emphasized that following leads from the accused, authorities will target local buyers and procurement sites in Deoghar, aiming to dismantle the entire drug distribution chain and work towards making the district drug-free.
Community Engagement and Rehabilitation Focus
In a related development, SP Saurabh made a public appeal to residents of Deoghar, urging them to support the anti-drug campaign by sharing information anonymously with the police. He assured confidentiality for all informants. "Our objective is not to penalize young individuals for drug consumption but to assist them in overcoming this menace," the SP explained. He encouraged parents to proactively inform the police if they discover their children struggling with addiction, highlighting a rehabilitative approach over punitive measures.
This arrest underscores ongoing efforts by Jharkhand police to combat drug smuggling in the region, particularly in areas like Deoghar, which have been identified as hotspots for such illegal activities. The seizure of such a high-value consignment signals a robust response to curb the influx of narcotics and protect the community from associated harms.
