Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) has intensified its investigation into the interstate cannabis smuggling syndicate following the arrest of kingpin Durbasa Sahu and his associates.
All accused, including Subudhi Sahu, Arun Kumar Rana, Prakash Khatua, and Nilambara Kanhar, are currently under police remand for sustained interrogation.
Investigators revealed that the syndicate dispatched multiple cannabis consignments to Chhattisgarh and other states between December 2025 and June 2026. Acting on these findings, STF Odisha shared intelligence with Balrampur District Police in Chhattisgarh. A team from Balrampur Police visited Bhubaneswar today and held a coordination meeting with the DIG, STF, to strengthen the probe into Balrampur NDPS Case Nos. 228/2025 and 93/2026.
Evidence confirms the syndicate’s involvement in these cases, where five accused were arrested and approximately 3,100 kilograms of cannabis seized. Investigators established that the contraband originated from the network currently under STF Odisha’s scrutiny.
Chhattisgarh Police is expected to move court for production and remand of the arrested syndicate members to aid further investigation in the Balrampur cases. STF Odisha continues to trace the syndicate’s wider interstate operations, financial linkages, and additional supply chains.
Authorities anticipate further developments as the investigation progresses, with both states working jointly to dismantle the network under the NDPS Act.
