Excise Department Seizes 52 Kg Ganja in Major Anti-Drug Crackdown
By Prasanna Kumar Paikaraya
Khordha, June 12 : In a significant breakthrough against the illegal narcotics trade, the excise department successfully busted two separate ganja smuggling operations in hordha , seizing a total of 52 kilograms of contraband cannabis and arresting 6 persons allegedly involved in the interstate drug trafficking network.2 vehicles used for transporting the narcotics and 4 mobile phones were also seized during the operation.
The twin raids, carried out by teams from the khordha and Begunia excise stations, are being viewed as one of the major successes of the district administration’s ongoing campaign against illegal drug trafficking. Officials estimate the market value of the seized ganja at approximately ₹5.20 lakh. According to official sources, the excise department had recently received reliable intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of large quantities of ganja from kandhamal district towards Bhubaneswar through khordha.
Acting on the information, senior officers formulated a detailed strategy and deployed special surveillance teams at key points along national highways and major transit routes. Vehicles passing through the suspected corridors were subjected to rigorous checking in an effort to intercept the illegal consignment.
The first breakthrough came near Pitapalli on National Highway-57. During a routine surveillance operation, excise officials intercepted a suspicious Maruti car bearing registration number OD-02-CC-7356. On conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, officials discovered 30 kilograms of ganja cleverly concealed inside the car. Three mobile phones suspected to have been used for coordinating the transportation and delivery of the narcotics were also seized.The
accused identified as Subhen Baghar (20) Salim Hati (25) and Surendra Kanhar (35), were immediately taken into custody.
During preliminary interrogation, investigators reportedly learned that the accused had procured the ganja from kandhamal and were transporting it to Bhubaneswar for distribution among various dealers and consumers.The seizure provided investigators with crucial leads regarding the movement of narcotics through the district.
While the investigation into the first case was underway, the excise department received another tip-off indicating that a second consignment of ganja was being transported through Daltola Chhak under Khordha Sadar Police Station limits.
Without wasting any time, a team from the Begunia excise station rushed to the location and established a checking point to monitor incoming vehicles.
After a brief wait, officials intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Alto bearing registration number OD-07-BA-0621. A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 22 kilograms of ganja hidden inside the car. One mobile phone was also seized from the accused persons.
Three individuals, identified as Subrat Digal (30) Sudhir Digal (36) and Sridhar Digal (40) were arrested on the spot. Investigators suspect that the accused were part of a larger supply chain engaged in transporting narcotics from interior districts to urban markets.
The manner in which the contraband was being moved has raised concerns about the existence of an organized trafficking network operating across district boundaries.With the two seizures combined, the excise department epartment confiscated 52 kilograms of ganja, 2 vehicles, and 4 mobile phones. Cases have been registered against all six accused under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused have been produced before the court, and further investigation is continuing.Officials
are now examining whether the arrested individuals were acting independently or were part of a larger interstate or inter-district drug syndicate. The seized mobile phones are being analyzed to identify possible links with suppliers, transporters, financiers, and buyers connected to the illegal trade. Investigators believe the digital evidence could help uncover a wider network involved in narcotics trafficking.
Addressing a press conference at the District Excise Office in Khordha on Friday, Superintendent of Excise, Khordha,Ms. Sumati Tripathy described the operation as a major achievement in the department’s ongoing drive against narcotic substances.
She stated that the excise department remains committed to eliminating illegal drug trafficking from the district and will continue conducting intensive raids and surveillance operations.”The department has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics-related crimes.
Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in the transportation, storage, or sale of illegal drugs. Our efforts will continue with greater intensity to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of addiction,” she said.
The successful operation has been widely appreciated by local residents and social organizations, who have long expressed concern over the increasing circulation of narcotic substances in various parts of the state. The seizure is being viewed as a strong message to drug traffickers that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring their activities and are prepared to take decisive action against those involved in the illegal trade.
The latest crackdown once again highlights the district administration’s determination to combat drug abuse and dismantle trafficking networks, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding public health, maintaining law and order, and ensuring a drug-free future for the youth of the region.
