In Sonbarsa, Sitamarhi, SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) seized 30 kilograms of cannabis smuggled from Nepal. The smuggler, Jitendra Mahato, was arrested and sent to judicial custody. The investigation is ongoing.
Sitamarhi: Cannabis smuggling from Nepal is rapidly increasing in Sitamarhi district, Bihar. Since the alcohol prohibition, cannabis smuggling has taken a new direction in Bihar. Smugglers are now attempting to sell cannabis brought from Nepal in Bihar. Recently, SSB and the police conducted a major operation in Sonbarsa, Sitamarhi, seizing 30 kilograms of cannabis and arresting one smuggler.
Growing Threat of Cannabis Smuggling from Nepal
Cannabis is cultivated extensively in Nepal, and Indian smugglers bring it to Bihar for sale. While alcohol smuggling has decreased since Bihar's prohibition, cannabis smuggling has increased. Smugglers from Nepal bring cannabis into Bihar and distribute it across the state.
Sitamarhi's proximity to Nepal fuels this smuggling. Smugglers utilize routes with minimal or no SSB deployment, facilitating easy entry into Bihar. This escalating smuggling poses a significant challenge for the police and SSB.
Strict Action by SSB and Police
The 51st Battalion of SSB arrested a smuggler after seizing 30 kilograms of cannabis. This operation was based on intelligence. Under the leadership of SSB Company Commander Inspector Babu Singh, constables Manish Kumar and Vipul Kumar recovered 30 kilograms of cannabis from a vehicle near pillar number 323/13 on the Sonbarsa border.
The smuggler was identified as Jitendra Mahato, son of Lal Bahadur Mahato of Sonbarsa village. Interrogation revealed he was attempting to enter Indian territory with cannabis from Nepal. SSB seized the cannabis and vehicle, and the smuggler was remanded to judicial custody.
Increasing Cases of Cannabis Smuggling in Bihar
This isn't the first instance of successful cannabis smuggling interdiction by SSB and police. Several cases have emerged in recent months where significant quantities of cannabis were seized. On April 19th, SSB apprehended a smuggler with 11 kilograms of cannabis entering India from Nepal. The smuggler was a resident of Sarlahi district, Nepal. Earlier, on April 14th, SSB and police conducted a raid in Sonbarsa market, seizing a large quantity of narcotics and cannabis.
Stern Warning to Cannabis Smugglers from Police and SSB
Cannabis smugglers from Nepal use various routes to enter Indian territory, often bypassing SSB deployment. Smugglers then supply cannabis to various districts. Operations conducted by SSB and police have resulted in the seizure of two to three quintals of cannabis. Seizures of 50 kg, 30 kg, and 20 kg of cannabis have become common.
Steps to Curb Cannabis Smuggling
The increasing cannabis smuggling in Bihar presents a major challenge for the police and SSB. While they are consistently apprehending smugglers, stricter action is needed to curb cannabis smuggling. The Bihar government needs to make greater efforts to control this illegal trade.
The police and SSB require more resources and support to prevent cannabis smuggling cases. Furthermore, state and central governments need to collaborate to implement stricter laws against smugglers. A combination of education, awareness, and b laws can control cannabis smuggling.
The cannabis smuggling network in Bihar is expanding rapidly. Stricter government oversight and continued action against smugglers can help curb this drug problem. The rise in smuggling is increasing drug use among children and youth, posing a societal risk. The government and other organizations should increase awareness and take action to combat smuggling.
