96kg opium seized in Uttarakhand

In one of the biggest haul, Uttarakhand police today claimed to have seized 96.3kg of opium derivatives, worth over Rs 90 crore in international market, and arrested four suspected drug peddlers in Bajpur area of Udhamsingh Nagar district.

Two country-made pistols of 0.315 bore were also recovered from the arrested persons, inspector general of police (Kumaon range) RS Meena told reporters.

On the basis of the information given by one Yogesh, who was caught with 300gm of opium, the police laid a trap and arrested Mahipal with 1kg of psychotropic substance.

During interrogation, Mahipal told police that his brother Vikram had given him the drug, following which the police arrested Vikram and his friend from his house at Bajpur area and recovered 95kg opium derivatives from there, the IG said.

The accused have been booked under NDPS Act and 25 Arms Act, he added.

The drug substance would be sent for examination to know its exact nature and value, he said.