The Excise Department in Bhubaneswar intensified its fight against illegal drug trade on Friday by arresting two women peddlers near the Utkal University compound wall, opposite Apollo Hospital.
Range-I Inspector of the Excise Department led the special operation. During the raid, officials seized 4.2 kilograms of ganja, including 3.118 kg of raw cannabis and 1.082 kg of ganja cigarettes. Moreover, they confiscated ₹830 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sale.
Authorities registered the case under the NDPS Act and produced the accused in court before taking them on remand. Meanwhile, investigators began tracing other members of the network to dismantle the supply chain.
Significantly, officials pointed out that this arrest forms part of a larger crackdown on drug trafficking in Odisha. For instance, at Biju Patnaik International Airport, enforcement agencies recently recovered hydroponic weed worth Rs 4–8 crore from passengers arriving from Bangkok. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested several suspects linked to the smuggling.
Furthermore, the Odisha–Delhi interstate drug syndicate, which trafficked more than 5,000 kg of ganja last year, was dismantled. Special drives by the Excise Department led to the seizure of 392 kg of ganja and contraband worth crores. In addition, Odisha Police’s “Operation Strike” resulted in the arrest of 13 persons with 159 kg of ganja. Across districts, several large-scale seizures have reinforced the state’s aggressive stance against narcotics.
Despite these efforts, Bhubaneswar continues to witness rising cases of ganja and drug trafficking. Nevertheless, police have expanded their vigilance. Under Operation Strike, they also cracked down on liquor smuggling, illegal arms, drugs, and cattle trafficking, arresting 189 persons and collecting fines exceeding Rs 11 lakh.
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