More than 808kg of ganja valued at Rs 1.62 crore seized during smuggling attempt to Bhubaneswar

The illegal ganja, concealed in a fruit truck headed for Bhubaneswar, was seized after a one-hour pursuit. The suspects are in judicial custody as investigations proceed under the NDPS Act.

In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested three individuals and seized a large consignment of ganja on Sunday. The operation, based on a precise tip-off, resulted in the confiscation of 808 kilograms of ganja, which holds an estimated value of Rs 1.62 crore in the grey market. This major haul was intercepted while being transported to Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The illegal contraband was hidden in a fruit-laden truck to evade detection. Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, DRI officials positioned themselves at the Krishnavaram Toll Plaza located on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. As the truck approached the checkpoint, officials conducted a thorough search and uncovered the illicit cargo.

The smugglers, however, had devised a plan to escape law enforcement. A pilot vehicle was trailing the truck, presumably to ensure safe passage and alert the driver in case of any suspicion. When the DRI officers moved in, the occupants of the pilot vehicle attempted to flee by ramming their car through the toll gate. This reckless attempt to escape led to a high-speed chase, which lasted for over an hour. The officers eventually managed to apprehend the two suspects from the pilot car who were escorting the truck. Their bold attempt to evade arrest failed, leading to the capture of all involved.

Following the successful interception, both the truck and the accompanying vehicle were seized by the authorities, along with the ganja found inside. During interrogation, the truck driver and the two men in the pilot vehicle admitted to their involvement in transporting the contraband to Odisha. The smuggled ganja, also commonly referred to as cannabis, was being moved with the intent to distribute it in Bhubaneswar, a known hub for such illegal activities.

The DRI, in its official press release, confirmed that the seized ganja, along with both vehicles, was confiscated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. The act provides stringent measures to combat the illegal trade and consumption of drugs in the country. The three accused individuals have been placed under judicial custody for a period of 12 days, during which further investigation into the case will continue. Authorities are now focused on unearthing the broader network involved in this operation, including potential links to other narcotics rings operating in the region.

This seizure is part of a larger effort by the DRI and other enforcement agencies to curb the trafficking of illegal drugs across state borders. Odisha has emerged as a transit point for narcotics smugglers due to its strategic location, and frequent crackdowns like this highlight the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle such operations. Smuggling of ganja, which remains a pressing concern for authorities, is often linked to organized crime syndicates, which use the drug trade as a means to generate revenue and further illicit activities.

The NDPS Act under which the offenders have been booked is known for its tough provisions. It allows authorities to not only seize the drugs but also confiscate properties and assets linked to the proceeds of drug trafficking. Those found guilty can face severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment. The act is a critical tool in India’s fight against drug trafficking, which poses significant challenges in terms of law enforcement and public health.

The DRI’s operation, though successful, also highlights the lengths to which smugglers are willing to go to transport illegal substances. Using seemingly innocuous methods, such as hiding contraband in fruit trucks, criminals are continually adapting their strategies to evade detection. However, the proactive approach taken by enforcement agencies, along with the use of actionable intelligence, continues to disrupt these illicit activities.

As the investigation progresses, it is expected that more details will emerge about the origins of the ganja consignment and the individuals involved in orchestrating its transport. Law enforcement agencies across states are working in coordination to address the growing threat of drug smuggling, particularly along interstate routes that serve as major corridors for the illegal drug trade.

This successful operation by the DRI not only serves as a warning to other smugglers but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking in the country. The authorities remain vigilant, and more such coordinated actions are expected to continue, targeting both small-time smugglers and larger narcotics networks operating in and around Odisha.