In the district of Gaya, Bihar, a surge in opium cultivation linked to Maoist cadres has been observed over the past five years, resulting in an opium business estimated to be valued over ₹500 crores. Police in Gaya have taken measures to destroy opium crops, covering more than 1,400 acres in 2022 and over 600 acres in the preceding year.
The cultivation of opium, once prevalent in the adjoining areas of Chatra in Jharkhand, has expanded to Bihar as Maoists engage in this illicit trade. One acre of opium cultivation and its subsequent sale in various forms can yield up to ₹5 lakh. As Maoist activities diminished in Bihar, opium cultivation became a lucrative alternative for the cadres.
Opium crops are predominantly grown on land owned by the forest department and the Bihar government in areas like Lutua, Banke Bazar, and Chakarbanda. Despite efforts by the police to combat this cultivation, the challenging terrain and non-motorable roads hinder complete eradication.
Elaborating on the opium trade, authorities mentioned that opium growers and their associates in Jharkhand utilize local eateries as conduits for the sale of opium in different forms. Truck drivers transport the opium to states like Rajasthan and Punjab, where it is processed into heroin and sold at a significantly higher price.
Ashish Bharti, Gaya’s Senior Superintendent of Police, stated that concerted efforts are being made to curb opium cultivation and trade. As of January 3, 2024, 640.41 acres of opium cultivation have been destroyed under Operation Clean, with arrests being made to deter farmers, traders, and smugglers.
