Pune: Two Purandar Farmers Arrested for Cultivating Opium Amidst Onion and Chrysanthemum Crops; 10 kg Seized

Opium cultivation activities continue to be observed regularly in the district, with a recent incident emerging in the Malaivasti area of Kodit Budruk in Purandar taluka.

Authorities uncovered a clandestine operation involving the cultivation of opium, resulting in the seizure of 10 kilograms of the illicit substance. Police intervened, conducting a raid that led to the confiscation of the opium plants and subsequent arrests.

The individuals apprehended in connection with this illegal activity have been identified as Dasharath Sitaram Badde and Tanaji Nivrithi Badde. Both suspects are currently in police custody, following a complaint filed by Police Constable Dheeraj Jadhav. Acting on information received, Police Inspector Santosh Jadhav mobilized a team to investigate reports of opium cultivation in a field located in the Malaivasti area of Kodit Budruk.

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities confirmed the presence of opium plants adjacent to a Chrysanthemum (Shewanti) tree within the field. Subsequently, a total of 8 kilograms of opium plants were seized from the premises. Additionally, Dasharath Badde was caught in the act of planting opium in an onion field, with 2.5 kilograms of the illicit substance recovered, intended for sale at Rs 2000 per kilogram.

Both suspects stand accused of illegally cultivating opium on their respective properties. As a result of the raid, a total of ten opium trees were confiscated, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the offenders.

The ongoing investigation into this matter is being held by Assistant Police Inspector Bajirao Dhekle under the supervision of Police Inspector Santosh Jadhav.