Major Drug Bust in Berhampur
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, officials from the intelligence and enforcement bureau of the excise department in Berhampur arrested a 21-year-old man on Friday while he was allegedly transporting approximately 150 kilograms of ganja through the Gunthubandha area.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The accused has been identified as Kumar Pani, a resident of Chadiapada near Mohana in Gajapati district. According to Srutikant Rout, DSP of the intelligence and enforcement bureau, the contraband and other seized items have an estimated market value of around ₹25 lakh.
During the operation, excise personnel confiscated a car, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone belonging to the accused. The operation was conducted early morning based on specific intelligence about drug smuggling activities along that particular route.
"Our team conducted patrolling in the area during early morning hours and successfully intercepted the car carrying the illegal consignment," stated DSP Rout.
Investigation and Escaped Accomplices
Authorities revealed that while the ganja was being transported in the car, two other individuals were allegedly escorting the vehicle on a motorcycle. However, these accomplices managed to escape from the scene before they could be apprehended.
Police suspect that the seized cannabis was being illegally transported from Gajapati district to other states using Berhampur as a transit route. The investigation is now focusing on determining the accused's potential involvement in previous drug smuggling cases and identifying other members of the smuggling network.
"We are currently verifying Kumar Pani's involvement in earlier drug smuggling cases and investigating the possible participation of other individuals in these illegal activities," added DSP Rout, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing to dismantle the entire smuggling operation.
