Jaleswar police have successfully dismantled a drug peddling operation by arresting a woman and her parents, along with seizing significant contraband in Balasore district.
Jaleswar police have successfully dismantled a drug peddling
operation by arresting a woman and her parents, along with seizing significant
contraband in Balasore district. Acting on intelligence inputs and instructions
from Balasore SP, law enforcement officials conducted a raid on a house in the
Jhadeswarpur area under the Jaleswar police limits Monday.
Details of the
Raid
During the operation, the police confiscated 55.26 grams of
brown sugar valued at ₹5.5 lakh. In addition to the narcotics, ₹8,700 in cash
was also seized from the possession of the accused. Speaking at a press
conference, SDPO Dillip Sahu revealed that the primary suspect, a 24-year-old
woman identified as Ruksana Biwi, had been actively involved in drug
trafficking. Known locally as "Scooty Didi," she reportedly used her
scooter to distribute drugs across various locations in the district.
The raid was spearheaded by Jaleswar Police Station IIC
Ranjan Sethi and targeted the residence of Sheikh Billa, Ruksana’s father.
Police arrested Ruksana, her 46-year-old mother, and her father during the
operation.
Family Tied to Drug
Peddling
Further investigations have unveiled that drug trafficking is
a family-run business for the accused. Ruksana’s husband, Sheikh Shah Jahan,
was previously apprehended for drug peddling in Kolkata nearly 20 months ago
and is currently serving his sentence. In his absence, Ruksana took charge of
the illicit operations, utilizing her mobility to expand the network.
The police stated that Ruksana leveraged her unassuming
appearance to avoid suspicion, earning her the nickname “Scooty Didi” in the
local community. Despite her covert tactics, sustained surveillance and
intelligence gathering enabled the authorities to expose and dismantle her activities.
Arrests and Legal
Proceedings
Following her arrest, police interrogated Ruksana, leading to
the identification and subsequent apprehension of two more suspects involved in
the narcotics trade. Law enforcement registered a case (No. 584/24) against the
accused individuals and presented them before the court Tuesday.
This crackdown marks a significant achievement for the
Jaleswar police in their ongoing battle against drug-related offenses in the
region. By apprehending key figures in the narcotics supply chain, authorities
aim to disrupt the flow of illegal substances and safeguard communities from
the adverse effects of drug abuse.
Broader
Implications
Drug trafficking has been a persistent challenge in Balasore
district, with Jaleswar emerging as a hotspot for illicit activities. Police
believe the involvement of organized networks and family-run enterprises in the
trade has allowed such operations to flourish undetected for extended periods.
The latest arrests highlight the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated
efforts to curb the menace.
Community Reaction
Local residents have lauded the police action, expressing
relief at the disruption of a major drug syndicate. Many hope that the
crackdown will deter other potential offenders and bring greater peace and
safety to the area.
Continued Efforts
Law enforcement authorities have emphasized their commitment
to eradicating drug-related activities in Balasore district. Regular raids,
community awareness programs, and stringent legal actions are part of their
strategy to dismantle the drug trade.
The arrest of Ruksana Biwi and her family serves as a
reminder of the pervasive nature of the drug problem and underscores the
importance of community cooperation in tackling the issue. Police have urged
citizens to report suspicious activities, ensuring a collective approach to
maintaining law and order.
This operation signifies a promising step towards a drug-free
Jaleswar, although sustained efforts will be required to address the root
causes and prevent recurrences in the future.