Major Drug Bust in Bhubaneswar: Excise Department Seizes 45 Kg of Ganja
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the excise sleuths of the Bhubaneswar unit conducted a successful operation on Saturday, resulting in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal substances. The action took place at Sai Mandir Square on Tankapani Road, where authorities intercepted a suspicious vehicle and uncovered 45 kilograms of ganja.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrests and Additional Seizures
Acting on specific intelligence, the excise officers strategically stopped the car and not only confiscated the large cache of ganja but also discovered nine handmade bombs within the vehicle. This dual seizure highlights the potential dangers associated with such illicit activities, linking drug trafficking with other criminal elements.
The two individuals apprehended at the scene have been identified as Manoranjan Roul, aged 24, and Amarjit Patra, aged 28. Following their arrest, both accused were formally taken into custody and subsequently produced before a court for legal proceedings.
Fugitive with a History of Evasion Finally Captured
Notably, Manoranjan Roul was already a wanted figure in connection with a previous Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case detected on December 17 of last year. In that incident, authorities had seized 50 kilograms of ganja along with two cars, but Roul managed to abscond, remaining at large for months.
His evasion tactics included a dramatic escape on March 17, where he created panic on the National Highway by ramming into other vehicles during a high-speed chase. Subsequently, on March 26, he again avoided capture at Medical Square in Khurda by aggressively hitting excise officers, staff members, and their official vehicle.
Judicial Custody and Ongoing Investigations
Officials have confirmed that both accused individuals have now been remanded to judicial custody, marking a crucial step in the legal process. This arrest brings a notorious fugitive to justice and disrupts a significant drug distribution network operating in the region.
The excise department's vigilant efforts underscore their commitment to combating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety. Further investigations are likely to uncover additional details about the trafficking operations and any potential connections to broader criminal syndicates.
