Continuing its sustained crackdown on narcotic drug trafficking under the Government of India’s Nisha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan, the Special Task Force (STF), Odisha, has achieved another significant success with the seizure of more than 101 kilograms of ganja and the arrest of two persons involved in illegal drug transportation.
Acting on reliable intelligence regarding the movement of a commercial quantity of ganja from Boudh district to Bhubaneswar, a special team of STF Odisha conducted an operation on June 11, 2026, in the Andharua area under Chandaka Police Station limits at around 1:30 PM. During the operation, a Piaggio Auto Rickshaw bearing Registration No. OD-15-G-9510 was intercepted. On noticing the police presence, the occupants attempted to flee towards a nearby forested area. The STF team immediately pursued them and successfully apprehended both suspects.
The arrested accused have been identified as Jagdish Behera (45), son of Managobinda Behera of Tentulipali under Baunsuni Police Station in Boudh district, and Sanjit Thati (29), son of Late Paradeshi Thati of Kumarakani under Manamunda Police Station in Boudh district.
During the search, STF officers recovered and seized 101.540 kilograms of contraband ganja packed in five sacks. The Piaggio Auto Rickshaw used for transporting the contraband and two mobile phones found in the possession of the accused were also seized.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the ganja was being transported from Boudh district for illegal distribution. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other persons associated with the trafficking network.
The STF, Odisha, has been consistently taking strong action against interstate and intrastate narcotics trafficking syndicates. Through sustained enforcement measures, STF aims to dismantle organized drug supply chains, curb substance abuse among youth, and contribute towards the vision of a Drug-Free Odisha and a Nisha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan.
Significantly, during the past week alone, STF Odisha has seized approximately 230 kilograms of ganja, including the present case, and arrested five persons involved in narcotics trafficking. The latest seizure once again demonstrates STF’s commitment to identifying, tracking and dismantling organized drug trafficking networks operating in the State.
