Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Jul 19: Jharkhand Police intensified its campaign against illegal narcotics cultivation during the 2025-26 financial year, destroying opium crops spread over 4,619.34 acres across the state. According to a report released by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, authorities registered 77 cases related to illegal opium cultivation and trafficking while arresting 48 individuals.
The most extensive operation was conducted in Chatra district, where illegal opium plantations covering 2,742.22 acres were eradicated. Other major crackdowns took place in Latehar (832.14 acres), Hazaribagh (393 acres), Palamu (314.62 acres) and Khunti (215.71 acres).
Police also destroyed illicit opium crops in West Singhbhum (52.69 acres), Ranchi (34.50 acres), Seraikela-Kharsawan (24.70 acres), Simdega (3.50 acres), Lohardaga (3.25 acres), Koderma (3 acres) and Deoghar (0.01 acre). In a separate action, authorities in Latehar also eliminated two illegal cannabis plantations.
Among all districts, Chatra registered the highest number of FIRs linked to illegal opium cultivation with 21 cases. It was followed by West Singhbhum (12), Latehar (11), Khunti (10), Hazaribagh (8), Ranchi (7), Seraikela-Kharsawan (3) and Simdega (2), while Lohardaga, Koderma and Deoghar recorded one case each.
The latest figures indicate a dramatic decline in illegal opium cultivation compared to the previous financial year. In 2024-25, enforcement agencies had destroyed opium plantations spread across 27,015.03 acres, whereas the area fell to 4,619.34 acres in 2025-26, marking a reduction of nearly 22,400 acres within a year.
During 2024-25, Khunti accounted for the largest area under illegal cultivation at 15,246.79 acres, followed by Ranchi (6,843.47 acres), Chatra (1,566.46 acres), West Singhbhum (796.05 acres), Latehar (754 acres), Seraikela-Kharsawan (678.96 acres), Palamu (604.12 acres) and Hazaribagh (525.18 acres). That year, police had registered 313 cases and arrested 237 accused.
The CID report also highlighted the trend over recent years, noting that authorities destroyed illegal opium cultivation across 2,871.02 acres in 2021-22, 5,494.10 acres in 2022-23, and 4,853.99 acres in 2023-24.
Despite the recent decline, the report observed that illegal opium cultivation continues to be concentrated in districts including Chatra, Khunti, Latehar, Ranchi, Palamu, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Hazaribagh, which remain key focus areas for anti-narcotics operations.