Rourkela Police Seize 502.4 kg Ganja Worth Rs 80 Lakh, Arrest Six Smugglers
In a significant operation against narcotics smuggling, the Plantsite police in Rourkela have made a major breakthrough by arresting six individuals for allegedly transporting a massive quantity of ganja. The seizure, which occurred on Tuesday, involved 502.4 kilograms of the contraband, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs 80 lakh. According to authorities, the ganja was reportedly being transported to the neighboring states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, highlighting the interstate nature of this illicit trade.
Police Intercept Five Vehicles in Night-Time Operation
Briefing the media on the operation, Superintendent of Police (Rourkela) Nitesh Wadhwani revealed that the seizure was executed during routine patrolling on the intervening night of February 16 and 17. A dedicated police team, led by Sub-Inspector S Pradhan, intercepted five vehicles at a strategic location on Bondamunda Road near Phatapipe in Shivsankar Nagar. The intercepted convoy consisted of one SUV and four cars, all of which were allegedly being used to transport the ganja without any valid licence or authorization.
The accused had reportedly procured the ganja from the Kandhamal–Boudh region of Odisha, a known hotspot for such activities, before embarking on their journey. This interception underscores the vigilance of local law enforcement in curbing drug trafficking networks that exploit regional routes.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and Seized Items
The six individuals arrested in connection with this case have been identified as follows:
- Gunanidhi Ghusi (36) and Kaushik Kumar Padhee (31), both residents of Jharsuguda district.
- Sukhnath Oram (37), Rahul Kumar Sahu (25), Nikhil Ray (23), and Niraj Sonkar (24), all hailing from Sundargarh district.
In addition to the substantial quantity of ganja, police have seized the five four-wheelers used in the smuggling attempt, along with eight mobile phones and Rs 2,300 in cash from the accused. These items are expected to aid in further investigations into the smuggling ring and its broader connections.
Broader Implications and Police Efforts
This seizure is part of ongoing efforts by the Rourkela police to combat narcotics smuggling in the region. The successful operation not only disrupts a significant supply chain but also sends a strong message to other potential offenders. Authorities have emphasized that such crackdowns will continue, with increased surveillance and patrolling to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are underway to uncover any additional links or accomplices involved in this smuggling network. The police are also examining the mobile phones and other seized evidence to gather more insights into the modus operandi of the accused.
