In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Anantapur district police busted an organised drug syndicate, arresting 14 members of a cannabis smuggling ring and seizing 7 kilograms of ganja. The operation, executed under the direct supervision of Anantapur SP P Jagadeesh, successfully dismantled a network that had been actively supplying contraband to local youth and substance abusers.
Innovative Enforcement Strategy
The breakthrough came as a result of an innovative enforcement strategy involving specialised cannabis testing kits deployed across the city. Similar to breathalyser tests used for drunk driving, these diagnostic kits allowed police teams to test individuals showing signs of intoxication. When several suspects tested positive for cannabis consumption, the police placed them under strict surveillance and initiated deep interrogations. This proactive approach uncovered critical leads that eventually exposed the entire distribution network, tracing the supply chain directly to the peddlers.
Syndicate Hierarchy and Kingpin
Investigation revealed that the syndicate operated with a structured hierarchy led by the prime accused and kingpin, Shikari Suresh. Suresh, a thirty-six-year-old resident of NTR Colony, is a notorious history-sheeter with a long record of criminal activities. His criminal history includes five theft cases, one excise violation, an assault on public servants, and two active cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Operating out of the Guntakal railway station, Suresh procured bulk quantities of cannabis from an unidentified source for approximately ten thousand rupees per kilogram. He then leveraged four other seasoned criminals—identified as Shikari Mallappa, Shikari Bharat, Shikari Parasuram, and Shikari Ravi—to smuggle the contraband securely into Anantapur.
Arrests and Seizures
After maintaining close surveillance, police arrested multiple accused identified as Shikari Arjun, Shikari Ashok, Shikari Jampa, Shikari Ramu, Shikari Ujjulu, Shikari Bhagawan, Shikari Rajamma, Shikari Jayamma, and Shikari Sunanda. The operation resulted in the seizure of 7 kilograms of ganja, along with other incriminating evidence. The police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and are further investigating the supply chain to trace the source of the cannabis.
