Three opium farms raided in district

A team of Shirur police and local crime branch (LCB) seized around 180 poppy plants weighing around 22 kg from a farm in Nhavara village. The farm was owned by Satish Korekar,who was growing opium poppy along with garlic. Another farmer,Ratan Kisan Dhagare,was also detained.

In another raid,police recovered about 800 opium poppy plants weighing about 58 kg from a farm in Shelarwadi in Wadgaon Rasai village. The farm was owned by Pandurang Chavan,who was growing opium poppy along with onion.

At Hanumanwadi in Inamgaon village,the police found about 10 kg of opium poppy from a farm and held Rajendra Salunkhe,a farmer.

Deputy SP Shankar Kengar said this was the first of its kind action where illegal opium farms were found in the district. Police said action would continue and they were trying to find out if there were more illegal opium farms in the district.

Investigation is on to identify the masterminds behind the racket. The police is also finding out who are buying illegal opium from Pune district and where it is being supplied to.

Meanwhile,local farmers claimed that opium was being cultivated for khaskhas,or poppy seeds used as spice,to earn more money. Similar claims had been made by farmers from Beed and Sangli.