Raighar police in Nabarangpur district arrested four persons while they were attempting to smuggle ganja from Malkangiri to Chhattisgarh.
During patrol on State Highway‑40 near Jodinga Hirapara, police intercepted two bikes and discovered the contraband. Acting on intelligence inputs, a team led by Umerkote SDPO Subhendu Kumar Sabar and Raighar IIC Tikichand Bahubal Khatua seized 22.3 kg of ganja worth Rs 1.5 lakh, two bikes, four mobile phones, and Rs 18,600 in cash.
The arrested accused were identified as Raju Chalana, Arjun Pangi, Rajendra Mari (all from Puluguda village under Orkel police station, Malkangiri), and Giridhari Gand from Pakhanapara village under Kundei police station. Police said they were transporting the ganja to Dhamtari in Chhattisgarh.
A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, Section 20(b)(ii)(C). Officials noted that Raighar block has increasingly become a corridor for illegal smuggling of ganja, wildlife, teakwood, and even precious stones. Locals have demanded stricter border patrols to curb the menace.
