Ganja Worth Approximately Rs 14 Lakh Seized; 120 Kg Recovered from Bolero at Pitapalli Chhak on NH-16
BY PRASHAN PAIKARAY
KHORDHA, NOV 11 : In a major crackdown on the illegal transportation of narcotic substances, the Khordha District Excise Department conducted raids at two separate locations on Tuesday, seizing a total of 140.5 kg of ganja and arresting five persons. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is around ₹14 lakh, according to excise officials.
In the first operation, a team led by Sujit Kumar Nag, Officer-in-Charge of the Khordha Excise Police Station, conducted a raid near Malipada flyover under Jankia police station limits at around 9.30 am. During the operation, the excise personnel intercepted a suspicious person and recovered 20.5 kg of ganja from his possession.
The arrested person was identified as Bhagaban Behera (26), a resident of Malikpada village under Bisipada Sadar police station in Kandhamal district. Preliminary investigation revealed that the ganja was being transported from Phulbani to Bhubaneswar.
In a separate operation, a mobile excise team led by Sub-Inspector Sujit Kumar Muduli intercepted a white Mahindra Bolero near Pitapalli Chhak on National Highway-16 at around 10.05 am. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 120 kg of ganja. The team also seized the Bolero bearing registration number OD-02-DB-5243 and four mobile phones.
Four persons travelling in the vehicle were arrested. They were identified as Amulya Behera (26), the driver and son of Murgasena Behera; Satyaban Behera (30), son of late Babula Behera; and Saroj Mukhi (25), son of Damodar Mukhi, all residents of Sudurukumpa village under Sadar police station in Kandhamal district. The fourth accused was identified as Shaini Majhi (55), wife of Dibash Majhi and a resident of Kendupadar village under Phulbani Town police station.
According to the excise department, the seized ganja was being transported from Phulbani to Bhadrak.
The two operations have dealt a significant blow to the illegal transportation of narcotic substances through Khordha district. The excise department has intensified surveillance, checking and enforcement activities to curb the smuggling of contraband through the district.
Officials said that the crackdown against illegal narcotics trade would continue, while further investigation into both cases is underway.
