Bhilwara cops bust illegal opium farming in mustard field, seize 1,500 plants

Bhilwara: Mandal police busted an illegal opium farm cultivated under the guise of mustard crop at Gadri Kheda village in Bhilwara district, Thursday. Police seized the opium plants and detained a minor who was guarding the opium crop.
Bhilwara SP Dharmendra Singh said a special campaign is underway in Bhilwara district to curb illegal narcotics and apprehend criminals. Under the supervision of Mandal deputy Megha Goyal, a special team was formed to prevent illegal drugs.
The team leader, Mandal police station in-charge Rajpal Singh, received a tip-off that Rajendra Prasad Mali, son of Kelaram Teli, planted fenugreek, wheat, and mustard in his field in Gadri Kheda village. Amid the mustard crop, illegal opium plants were found.
Police said, a minor boy was found guarding the crop, and on being interrogated, he revealed the crop was being cultivated by Rajendra Mali. Police uprooted 1,500 opium plants. These were packed into 15 plastic bags, weighing 319.50 kg. Additionally, a significant number of smaller, wet green opium plants weighing 174 kg were also seized.
The opium plants were seized, and a minor was detained. A case of illegal opium cultivation was registered at Mandal police station.