Gajapati Police Unearth Massive Ganja Haul Worth Rs 3 Crore in Forest Operations
In a significant crackdown on illicit drug activities, the Gajapati police have successfully seized over three tonnes of ganja with an estimated street value of around Rs 3 crore. The contraband was discovered buried in underground pits and concealed within hill caves across various forested regions of the district, according to official statements released on Tuesday.
Details of the Two-Day Raid Operation
Acting on credible intelligence, police teams conducted coordinated raids over the past two days, targeting remote forest areas. The operation was spearheaded by SDPO R.Udayagiri, Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, who led the efforts to locate and confiscate the hidden narcotics.
On Monday, authorities uncovered a substantial cache of 2,010 kilograms of cannabis, valued at over Rs 2 crore. This haul was found buried in an underground pit located at Vimanpur, which falls under the jurisdiction of the R.Udayagiri police station.
On Sunday, prior to this discovery, police had already seized 1,054 kilograms of ganja, worth more than Rs 1 crore. This consignment was hidden inside a hill cave situated on a hilltop near Guduripanka village, within the limits of the Adava police station.
No Arrests Made as Claimants Avoid Police
Despite the successful seizures, the raids did not result in any arrests. SDPO Rakesh Kumar Sahoo explained that "no one was arrested during the raids as no one came forward to claim the marijuana." This indicates that the individuals responsible for stashing the drugs likely fled the scene upon learning of the police operation, leaving the contraband abandoned.
The concealment methods—using underground pits and remote hill caves—highlight the sophisticated efforts by drug traffickers to evade detection in these dense forest areas. Police suspect that these locations were chosen for their seclusion, making it challenging for authorities to monitor and intercept such activities regularly.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This seizure represents one of the largest drug busts in the region recently, underscoring the persistent issue of narcotics trafficking in forested zones. The Gajapati police have emphasized their commitment to combating drug-related crimes and are continuing their investigations to identify and apprehend those involved in this illicit trade.
Authorities are now analyzing the seized ganja for further clues and working to trace its origins and intended distribution networks. The public has been urged to report any suspicious activities in forest areas to assist in these efforts.
