Drug network uncovered in Jamshedpur: FIR against four

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Apr 14: The Bistupur police have intensified their crackdown on the drug network operating in the city, following the arrest of two key players and the recovery of a large cache of banned drugs. On Saturday, police arrested Chandan Pandey and Ravi Ranjan Chaudhary, both residents of Bhojpur district in Bihar, who were allegedly trying to expand a drug supply network across Jamshedpur.

Investigations have revealed that the duo was supplying drugs to Dheeraj Kumar of Ulidih and Kallu of Sonari — both of whom are currently absconding. An FIR has been registered against all four accused for storing and selling banned medicines without a license. Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger network, including local drugstore operators.

The racket reportedly sourced cough syrups and tablets from Kolkata via courier services. These were then sold at exorbitant prices, with a cough syrup bottle worth Rs 100 being sold to addicts for Rs 200–Rs 250 and tablet strips priced at Rs 50 being pushed for Rs 150–Rs 200.

During the operation, police seized 475 bottles of Vinserectus cough syrup and 90 tablets of Nitrosun 10, collectively valued at over Rs 1 lakh. This seizure adds to a growing list of drug-related busts in the city — notably, a previous case on Dimna Road under Ulidih police station, where narcotic drugs worth Rs 25 lakh were recovered and three persons arrested.

A senior police officer said, “We are actively searching for Dheeraj Kumar and Kallu. The network is deep-rooted and we suspect more people, including medical shop owners, to be involved. The youth and teenagers are particularly at risk and we are determined to dismantle this dangerous trade.”

The investigation is ongoing to trace the full extent of the supply chain and identify all parties involved in the illegal drug distribution network across Jamshedpur.