Kandhamal Police achieved a major success by seizing 1,809 kilograms of ganja and arresting four accused during a series of raids conducted between May 27 and June 3.
Acting under the direction of SP Ramendra Prasad, police teams carried out operations across multiple stations, recovering contraband worth nearly ₹1.80 crore and seizing five vehicles, including a 14-wheeler truck.
On May 28, Phiringia Police seized 21.2 kg of ganja along with a car and arrested Rajnish Kumar Singh of Bihar. Two days later, the same team intercepted a pick-up van carrying 166.2 kg of ganja and arrested Sujit Dehuri of Angul. On June 1, Sadar Police seized 80.8 kg of ganja from a Tata Magic vehicle and arrested local youth Bapina Kahara.
Baliguda Police, acting on a tip-off, seized 70 kg of ganja from a Swift car but could not arrest any suspects. The largest haul came on June 2 when Gochhapada Police intercepted a 14-wheeler Tata truck carrying 1,470.8 kg of ganja and arrested Yogesh Meena of Madhya Pradesh.
Police registered separate cases under relevant sections of the BNSS and OPG Act. Officials confirmed that several accused have prior criminal records related to gambling and narcotics. SP Ramendra Prasad stated during a press briefing that regular raids will continue to curb illegal ganja trade in the district.
