March 10, 2026 : Illegal opium cultivation has been detected in the Sarna Toli area of Tripuri Gram Panchayat under Kusmi block in Balrampur district. Acting on a tip-off from an informant, a joint team of the district administration and police reached the spot following instructions from Collector Rajendra Katara and under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Baikar Vaibhav.

During the preliminary inspection, officials found that opium was being illegally cultivated on more than two acres of land. The team has taken the area into custody and initiated further investigation. Concerned agencies have also been informed, and administrative officials remain present at the site.

Since evening had set in, detailed legal action will be carried out on Wednesday morning. As a precautionary measure, the administration has increased vigilance in the area and ensured night patrols by the police to prevent any illegal activity.

Considering the seriousness of the case, the district administration stated that further action will be taken under the NDPS Act. The necessary legal procedures will be carried out in the presence of the SSL team and the Narcotics Control Bureau.