381 illegal opium plants seized

In a significant move to curb illegal opium cultivation, Baga police seized 381 opium plants from a villager in the Darlaghat area last evening.

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Providing details, Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh on Saturday said the Baga police, while patrolling the area to prevent crime, received a tip-off stating one Avtar Singh, a resident of Kandar, had illegally cultivated opium on land in front of his house. The informant claimed a large quantity of opium plants could be seized if immediate action was taken.

Acting swiftly, the police raided the suspect’s field and seized 381 illegally grown opium plants. A case was registered under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) at the Baga police station and the accused, Avtar Singh (50), was arrested.

Police officials said the accused was produced in a court today as police sought his remand. The police said during the investigation, it was revealed a separate case of assault had also been registered against the accused at the Darlaghat police station, which remains under investigation. Authorities noted the illegal cultivation and sale of opium often yield high profits, which tempts individuals — particularly in remote areas less accessible to law enforcement — to engage in such activities.