Over 300 kg poppy straw seized, two arrested in Neemuch

Indore: Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) seized over 331 kg of illegally transported poppy straw and arrested two alleged smugglers in Neemuch district, in two operations within last 24 hours.

CBN Neemuch unit intercepted a silver hatchback allegedly carrying contraband near Jaliner village in Manasa tehsil late on June 4. Acting on a specific tip-off, a special team conducted surveillance on the suspected route and attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the driver allegedly rammed the CBN vehicle and tried to flee.

During the chase, the accused lost control of the car, which got stuck in a nearby canal. Taking advantage of darkness and rain, he abandoned the vehicle and ran into adjoining fields. CBN officials pursued him through muddy farmland and eventually apprehended him after a prolonged chase.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 11 plastic bags containing 186.680 kg of poppy straw. The contraband and vehicle were seized, and the accused was arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.

In an operation on June 5, the Preventive and Intelligence Cell of CBN’s Mandsaur unit seized 144.830 kg of poppy straw from a tractor-trolley near Samya Balaji Temple square on the Nalwa-Kundla Road in Manasa tehsil. Officials had mounted surveillance after receiving information that narcotics were being transported through the route.

The tractor-trolley was stopped and searched, leading to the recovery of eight plastic sacks filled with poppy straw. The vehicle and contraband were seized under the NDPS Act, and one person was arrested.

CBN officials said investigations are underway in both cases to identify others linked to the supply chain and trafficking network.