In a significant crackdown on illegal drug production, Pune Rural Police have confiscated 883 kg of opium plants, including pods, valued at Rs 27.56 lakh from an agricultural field in Nhavi village, Indapur Taluka. Acting on a confidential tip-off on Friday, the Local Crime Branch of Walchandnagar Police Station—working with revenue and agriculture officials—intercepted the illicit operation.
The accused—Ratan Kundalik Markad (50), Balu Baburao Jadhav (54) and Kalyan Baburao Jadhav (65)—had resorted to opium cultivation in their greed for extra money. They allegedly planted onion, garlic and maize around the opium crops to evade detection.
Inspector Avinash Shilimkar stated, “The market value of opium is Rs 15,000 to Rs 16,000 per kg. The crop was grown on half an acre of land.” Officials warned that the sophisticated concealment techniques indicate a coordinated effort to circumvent law enforcement.
A case has been registered under NDPS Act sections 8(B), 15, 18, 32 and 46. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
