Boudh police arrests 24 Ganja peddlers during anti-Maoist search operation 

A joint team led by Boudh police has successfully apprehended 24 individuals suspected of involvement in a large-scale ganja (cannabis) smuggling network while carrying out an anti-Maoist search operation.

Working alongside the Border Security Force (BSF), District Voluntary Force (DVF), and Kantamal police, the team successfully apprehended 24 persons from Matakupa forest on the border between Kandhamal and Boudh district.

During the operation, authorities seized over 6 quintals of Ganja, in addition to seven mobile phones and five torches from the accused.

Also Read: Commissionerate Police bust major ganja smuggling racket, 5 arrested with over 1 quintal in Bhubaneswar

Strategic Operation Driven by Intelligence

Headed by Boudh SP and other senior police officials, the search operation was launched after intelligence reports suggested Maoist movements. 

Boudh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and Kantamal Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) spearheaded the search mission, leading to the discovery of individuals engaged in suspicious activities.

Role of Labourers in Smuggling Ring

Further interrogations revealed these individuals were primarily labourers, recruited by an organised crime syndicate to facilitate the transportation of ganja to designated distribution points. Among those apprehended, one suspect is a minor.

The adult suspects will be soon produced before the court while investigation is continuing to identify the mastermind of this sophisticated smuggling network.

Ongoing Efforts to Dismantle Organised Crime

Police sources indicate ongoing efforts to dismantle the smuggling operation and capture its leading figures, seeking to reduce Maoist funding channels tied to illegal narcotics.