Patna: As part of Bihar’s ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, the state Prohibition Department conducted a major raid in the Mehdiganj police station area in Patna district and seized a large consignment of banned narcotic medicines.
The seized substances, including codeine-based cough syrup, narcotic tablets and injections, are estimated to be worth around Rs 40 lakh in the illegal market.
The action was carried out by a special team following directions from the department headquarters.
The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Surendra Kumar. Assistant Commissioner Prem Prakash, Drug Inspector Ajay Kumar, Prohibition Inspector Deepak Mahto, ASIs Gautam Kumar, Dharmendra Kumar and Vidyuta Kumari, along with Constable Amit, were part of the enforcement team.
Officials said the raid was conducted at a warehouse in the Mehdiganj area, where a substantial quantity of prohibited medicines was allegedly stored for illegal distribution.
Following the seizure, the Prohibition Department initiated legal proceedings and launched an investigation into the wider supply network.
An FIR has been registered at Mehandiganj police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.
Officials are attempting to identify the individuals involved in the procurement, storage, transportation and distribution of the narcotic medicines.
Further arrests and seizures are expected as the investigation progresses.
The action comes amid intensified efforts by the Bihar authorities to curb the illegal trade and consumption of narcotic substances.
Although prohibition has been in force in Bihar since April 2016, authorities continue to face challenges from illicit liquor networks as well as the growing availability of other intoxicating substances.
The latest seizure has also highlighted concerns over the circulation of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs, particularly codeine-based medicines and narcotic tablets, which can be misused for intoxication.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation will focus not only on the seized stock but also on tracing the larger network behind its supply and distribution.
(IANS)
