Ganja trade busted in Bhubaneswar
The Special Crime Unit of the Excise Department carried out surprise raids in various parts of Bhubaneswar, targeting betel shops and hotels suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade. The operation focused particularly on the Dharmavihar area under Khandagiri, where ganja was reportedly sold from betel stalls.
According to officials, the drug trade was run using code words to avoid detection. Ganja was allegedly sold under names such as “Chamba”, “Gogo”, and “Baba”. The unit had monitored movements near shopping malls and educational institutions, where suspicious activities were noticed before action was taken.
Raids were conducted at five separate locations across Khandagiri, Patrapada, and Sijua. Police seized packed ganja cigarettes, foil papers, chillums, muduks, and other intoxicating substances. The items were hidden inside paan shops and hotels, indicating a well-organised distribution network operating discreetly.
During the raid in Patrapada, a young woman tried to flee the premises. However, police managed to detain her and began detailed questioning. Several other individuals were also taken into custody for interrogation as the Special Crime Unit continued its probe into the matter.
Police sources confirmed that the raids were part of an ongoing crackdown against illegal narcotics activity in the capital, especially those disguised under ordinary business fronts such as paan shops.