Inter-state ganja smuggling racket busted in Odisha’s Bargarh, 3 arrested

In a major crackdown, Bargarh Police intercepted an inter-state ganja smuggling operation near Gudapali under Bijepur police limits on Sunday. The illegal consignment was being transported from Kandhamal district to Chhattisgarh via Bargarh when the smugglers were ambushed.

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During the raid, police arrested three accused, including a notorious criminal identified as Chian alias Buddhadeb Biswal from Jharsuguda. He is allegedly involved in two murders, six robbery cases, two attempted murder cases, and several other serious crimes registered at different police stations across the State.

Along with the arrests, police seized 29 kilograms of ganja (cannabis), a country-made firearm, 12 rounds of live ammunition, two magazines, two vehicles used in the crime, and five mobile phones from the possession of the arrested persons.

Bargarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Prahlad Sahai Meena revealed the arrests during a press conference and confirmed that the two other accused — Parash Ram Bhanu from Janjgir-Champa district (Chhattisgarh) and Tarakanta Bhoi from Boudh district (Odisha) — also have multiple criminal cases against them.

Police suspect a larger inter-state drug syndicate and say further investigation is underway to trace additional links.

“Acting on a tip-off that some individuals were smuggling ganja from Sonepur side, a joint team of Bargarh special squad and Bijepur police carried out a raid today. The team chased a bike and nabbed a man near Gudapali under Bijepur police limits,” the SP said.

“A motorcycle and a scooter were seized following the raid. During a thorough search, a firearm, 12 rounds of live ammunition, and two magazines were also recovered. A detailed probe into the smuggling is underway,” the SP added while briefing mediapersons.

Reported By: Dharmadatta