Patna: A widening drug trafficking network has taken root across Bihar, extending from urban centres to rural areas, with police data revealing a sharp rise in seizures of narcotics over the past three years.
According to a report submitted by the state police headquarters, more than 137kg of heroin, smack and brown sugar were seized between February 2023 and February 2026. Authorities also reported significantly larger quantities of cannabis and hashish being recovered during the same period.
Officials said the seizures point to the presence of a well-organised syndicate with supply links extending to the northeastern states and across international borders.
Police investigations suggest that large consignments of drugs are transported into the state and then distributed through a structured chain of local suppliers. Smugglers allegedly use trains, private vehicles and smaller railway stations to avoid detection.
In one recent case, police arrested a suspect in the Khagaul area with 4.846kg of heroin and smack. Investigators identified the alleged mastermind as his son, who remains absconding and is believed to have links with suppliers in the Northeast.
Earlier operations have also uncovered interstate and international connections. In one instance, a gang operating under the cover of a tea shop was found trafficking drugs, while another case involved the seizure of nearly 10kg of brown sugar linked to routes from Nepal, Guwahati and West Bengal.
Authorities said smugglers are increasingly adopting new methods, including using airports in smaller cities and concealing drugs in everyday items. In January, five individuals were arrested at Gaya airport after cannabis was found hidden inside toys packed in trolley bags on a flight from Bangkok.
Despite frequent arrests of local distributors in areas such as Kankarbagh, Buddha Colony and Danapur, police said key figures in the network continue to evade capture, often operating from outside the state.
The data also shows a rising trend in seizures of drug injections and other synthetic substances, indicating diversification in trafficking patterns.
Officials warned that the growing network poses a serious challenge to law enforcement and public health, and said intensified operations are underway to dismantle the syndicate and track down its masterminds.
