In a major blow to an interstate narcotics smuggling syndicate operating between Odisha and Maharashtra, the Special Task Force (ANTF) seized approximately 97 kg of ganja near PN College in Khordha district on Saturday morning. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹49 lakh in the open market.
During the operation, authorities arrested five individuals, including the suspected mastermind, 35-year-old Sagar Basavaraj Kapale from Solapur, Maharashtra. The other four accused, all residents of various parts of Kandhamal district, have been identified as Uday Digal (27), Naresh Pradhan (36), Kartik Mallick (28), and Govil Raj Behera (39).
Acting on verified intelligence inputs, an ANTF team intercepted two vehicles—a Maruti Baleno (OD 33 M 2345) and a Maruti Ertiga (OD 05 BL 3878)—that were reportedly transporting the contraband from Kandhamal toward Solapur, Maharashtra. Alongside the 97 kg of ganja, officials confiscated the two vehicles, multiple mobile phones, debit cards, and ₹11,600 in cash.
Preliminary investigations reveal that this syndicate has been actively smuggling ganja from Odisha to Maharashtra for several years. Further investigations are underway to trace the exact source of the procurement, identify other syndicate members, and uncover the financial trails associated with the illegal trade. The accused will be forwarded to court, and police will seek remand if necessary for further interrogation.
This successful crackdown is a significant step forward in the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Bharat” and “Nasha Mukt Odisha” campaigns, utilizing intelligence-led, targeted operations to dismantle interstate drug trafficking routes.
