M. Rampur police in Kalahandi district foiled a massive cannabis smuggling operation, seizing 265 kg of ganja and arresting four individuals, including a suspect from Haryana.
Acting on a reliable tip-off regarding a contraband shipment being loaded in the dense forests near Kurupada under the Maoist-affected Urldani Panchayat, M. Rampur Police Station Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Sanjukta Pradhan led a police team in a surprise raid on September 28.
During the operation, police intercepted an Eicher truck bearing registration number NL-01-AB-9430 loaded with 265 kg of smuggled cannabis. Along with the truck, officers seized two motorcycles used in the operation and apprehended four suspects on the spot.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
-
Rajesh (50) from Haryana
-
Basanta Naik from Bidabaru village under M. Rampur Police Station limits, Kalahandi
-
Sahul Digal from Sudra village under Baliguda Police Station limits, Kandhamal
-
Ajit Mallick from Sudra village under Baliguda Police Station limits, Kandhamal
According to police officials, all four accused were formally forwarded to the court on Monday following their arrest.
“Further investigation is underway to identify the broader network and key players behind this inter-state smuggling racket,” stated the police in a press release. Authorities added that strict legal action will be taken against anyone else found involved in the network.
