chocolate-war-in-jharkhand-to-curb-opium-cultivation

In an innovative effort to combat illegal opium cultivation, the Jharkhand police have launched a unique campaign called the “Chocolate War.”

 

As part of this initiative, police personnel visit weekly village markets (haats) to raise awareness about the legal consequences of growing opium.

 

During these visits, they distribute chocolates wrapped in informative messages outlining the penalties for cultivating the illicit crop.

 

The campaign has been introduced in Khunti, one of the most affected districts, where illegal opium cultivation is widespread.

 

The opium mafia, with support from villagers and Maoists, has been growing the crop in several Maoist-dominated regions of Jharkhand.

 

Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta has directed law enforcement agencies to adopt a dual approach—cracking down on illegal cultivation while simultaneously educating villagers about its dangers. In the past 20 days, authorities have destroyed thousands of acres of opium fields across the state.

 

To educate villagers, officials are using street plays, public announcements, and interactive sessions in local markets. Chocolates distributed in the haats carry anti-opium slogans and warnings printed on their wrappers.

 

The message warns, “Cultivating opium is a legal offence. If caught, you may face arrest and imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life, along with property confiscation under the NDPS Act.”

 

“Instead of eating the chocolates themselves, many villagers take them home for their children. When parents read the message, their children may persuade them to avoid illegal opium farming,” said Khunti SP, Aman Kumar.

 

This approach applies social pressure to discourage opium cultivation, he added.

 

Additionally, a door-to-door awareness drive has been launched, urging farmers to switch to alternative crops and lead a life free from legal troubles.

 

Authorities have also issued warnings, asking cultivators to voluntarily destroy their opium fields before police action is taken.

 

So far, over 3,000 acres of illegal crops have been eradicated in Khunti alone—a record for the district.

 

Meanwhile, police are registering FIRs against landowners where opium is being grown. Once the verification of farmers involved is completed, arrests will follow.