Ranchi, Feb 04 : In a unique initiative named “Chocolate War,” Jharkhand Police has intensified its efforts to combat opium cultivation in the state’s rural areas by spreading awareness in an unconventional manner. The campaign, launched under the leadership of DGP Anurag Gupta, involves distributing chocolates with wrappers containing messages about the legal consequences of cultivating opium.
The initiative is primarily focused on the Khunti district, one of the worst-affected regions where opium cultivation has emerged as a significant crop, particularly in Maoist-influenced pockets such as Arki, Sayko, Murhu, and Maranghada. Other districts, including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Latehar, Palamu, and Chatra, have also been targeted by the “opium mafia,” police officials said.
Police personnel visit weekly village markets, locally known as haats, to distribute the chocolates. These wrappers not only carry slogans discouraging opium cultivation but also warnings about punishments under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The penalties include up to 10 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment, along with the confiscation of properties.
Khunti Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar explained the rationale behind using chocolates for the campaign: “Pamphlets and notices are often ignored. However, chocolates are likely to be taken home for children, and once they read the message and understand the legal repercussions, they may insist that their parents avoid illegal practices.” He added that this was part of a broader effort to make the message reach every household and discourage opium farming.
In addition to the chocolates, police also conduct street plays at the haats to further educate villagers about the risks and consequences of opium cultivation.
As part of the campaign, Jharkhand Police has destroyed several acres of opium crops in the past 20 days, including over 3,000 acres in Khunti alone. FIRs are being registered against the landowners involved, and verification of farmers suspected of cultivating opium is underway.
DGP Anurag Gupta highlighted the proactive measures being taken under his leadership. “Strict action will also be taken against police officers found supporting opium smugglers,” he warned.
The police are conducting door-to-door campaigns to encourage villagers to shift to alternative farming practices and live in a fear-free environment. The initiative aims to provide a long-term solution by reducing dependence on opium cultivation while maintaining pressure on offenders.
SP Aman Kumar described the campaign as a pressure tactic to discourage opium farming. “The idea is to involve children in spreading awareness within their families, creating a ripple effect that pressures cultivators to abandon such illegal practices,” he said.
The “Chocolate War” campaign reflects Jharkhand Police’s innovative approach to tackling the widespread problem of opium cultivation, balancing strict enforcement with creative awareness efforts.
