In a significant blow to the illegal narcotics trade, the Special Crime Unit of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has seized 49 kilograms of ganja and arrested five individuals involved in the operation.
The bust occurred on the Puri-Cuttack bypass road near SR Valley Mandap in Bhubaneswar, underscoring the authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb drug-related activities in the region.
The operation, executed at 11:30 AM based on intelligence inputs, targeted a group suspected of transporting and trading ganja. Police intercepted the suspects during an attempted transaction, leading to the confiscation of the narcotics, along with a four-wheeler vehicle, three mobile phones, and Rs. 1,220 in cash. The arrested individuals, all young men from districts including Kandhamal, Nayagarh, and Khordha, were apprehended without incident and are currently under interrogation.
The accused have been identified as:
- Sahil Kumar Panda alias Lucky, 22, from Pukulingia, G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal.
- Simon Sekhar Nayak alias Jain, 22, from Nuasahi, Kirmaha, G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal.
- Kissan Kumar Nayak alias Daniel, 22, from Badimunda, Tikabali, Kandhamal.
- Chinmay Ku Sahoo alias Banty, 19, from Dindabhoi, Daspalla, Nayagarh.
- Ansuman Swain alias Guddu, 19, from Manhisikhala Basti, BJP Nagar, Badagada, Bhubaneswar, Khordha.
According to the press release from the Commissioner of Police, this seizure represents a major step in dismantling networks involved in the ganja trade. Investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain, identify any financial backers, and uncover potential links to broader criminal syndicates. The suspects are set to be produced before the court soon.
The Special Crime Unit emphasised its commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities, stating that such operations are part of a larger strategy to protect the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the unit at 0674-2916383 between 10 AM and 8 PM, with assurances of complete confidentiality for informants.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of narcotics trafficking in Odisha, where ganja cultivation in remote areas often fuels urban distribution networks. Authorities continue to urge public vigilance to aid in these efforts.
