Gaya: Police in Gaya district have uncovered a mini factory involved in the illegal production of brown sugar from opium milk, arresting three people in connection with the operation. Authorities also seized a large quantity of chemicals and machinery used in drug production.
The factory, located in Kokana village under the Chhakarbandha police station area, was reportedly supplying narcotics to Naxalite-affected regions, including Chhakarbandha.
Smuggling Route Uncovered
The operation was launched after police in Banke Bazar received intelligence about the transportation of illegal drugs along the Imamganj-Sherghati main road. Following this, Gaya’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Kumar formed a special team under the supervision of City Superintendent of Police (SP) Ramanand Kumar Kaushal.
During a vehicle check near the Banke Bazar police station, officers spotted two men on a motorcycle attempting to flee. They were apprehended, and a search of their vehicle led to the discovery of 463 grams of brown sugar-like substance, concealed in a bag inside the bike’s trunk.
The arrested individuals were identified as Dashrath Singh and Murari Kumar Latkuta, both residents of Dhangai district.
Factory Raid and Seizure
Based on information provided by the suspects, police raided a house in Kokana village, uncovering a mini factory engaged in the processing of brown sugar from opium milk. The property, belonging to Ranjit Kumar Bhokta, contained two iron machines for processing the drug, an iron hydraulic bottle jack, three plastic bags, and approximately 28 kg of chemical substances used in production. Bhokta was arrested on the spot.
Seized Contraband Worth Rs 1 Crore
City SP Kaushal stated that the total haul from the operation included 463 grams of brown sugar, 28.15 kg of chemicals, two iron processing machines, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle. The estimated value of the seized contraband is around Rs 1 crore.
The three arrested individuals are being questioned, and police are investigating further links to the illicit drug trade.
