The Special Task Force (STF), Crime Branch, Odisha, has arrested three accused linked to an interstate cannabis syndicate and seized Rs 3.86 lakh in cash along with incriminating materials.
The arrests were made in connection with STF P.S. Case No. 08 dated April 18, 2026, registered under the NDPS Act after the seizure of 227.400 kg of ganja from an Eicher Pro 2114 container vehicle intercepted near Pitapali, Khordha district. The contraband was being transported from Adava in Gajapati district to Rajasthan.
The accused have been identified as:
- Sibaram Biswal (38) of Ganjam district
- Sibaram Patra (33) of Ganjam district
- Kana Mitu alias Manoranjan Sabat (49) of Berhampur, Ganjam district
Investigators revealed that the trio played a key role in procurement, concealment, and interstate transportation of cannabis. Searches at Biswal’s residence led to the recovery of Rs 3.86 lakh cash, mobile phones, and other evidence suspected to be linked to the narcotics trade.
STF officials confirmed that Kana Mitu has multiple past criminal antecedents, including cases registered in Dharakote and Berhampur Town police stations. Biswal also has a prior NDPS case in Maharashtra.
The STF will produce the accused before the jurisdictional Magistrate and seek custodial remand to trace the wider network, financial trail, and end beneficiaries. A financial investigation into the assets of the accused has also been initiated.
This operation is part of STF’s data‑driven campaign to prepare a consolidated dossier of interstate NDPS criminals, with intelligence inputs sought from crime branches across states.
