5 inter-state traffickers nabbed in Khurda with 97 kg cannabis

Bhubaneswar: The anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) of the crime branch arrested five inter-state cannabis traffickers and seized about 97 kg of contraband worth Rs 49 lakh during a crackdown near PN College, Khurda, on Friday. Mobile phones, debit cards and Rs 11,600 in cash were seized from them.The arrested persons were identified as Sagar Basavraj Kapale (35) of Solapur in Maharashtra, the alleged kingpin; Udaya Digal (27) from Luharpanga; Naresh Pradhan (36) and Kartik Mallick (28) from Kilupada village; and Govil Raj Behera (39) of Mathasahi, all in Kandhamal district.The ganja was being transported to Solapur from Kandhamal district in two vehicles. ANTF sleuths said a preliminary investigation indicated that the accused were part of an organised inter-state cannabis trafficking network operating between Odisha and Maharashtra. Investigators suspect the syndicate may have been active for several years.Police have launched a detailed probe to trace the source of the contraband, identify other members of the network and track financial transactions. Official sources said the operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised narcotics syndicates through intelligence-led policing and targeted interceptions. The action also aligns with enforcement measures under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukta Odisha Abhiyan. The accused will be produced in court and police may seek their remand.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.