Suryapet, Telangana: Suryapet Police have busted an alleged interstate ganja smuggling operation involving the transportation of narcotics from Odisha to Maharashtra. Police seized 112 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth approximately ₹25 lakh and arrested two accused persons from Maharashtra.
The operation was conducted under the limits of Suryapet II Town Police Station. An Innova car allegedly used for transporting the contraband and three mobile phones were also seized.
District Superintendent of Police K. Narasimha, IPS, disclosed the details during a media conference at the Suryapet District Police Office on Friday.
Ganja Transported in 41 Packets from Odisha
- According to the police, five individuals from Maharashtra allegedly formed a group to earn money through illegal ganja transportation. Each member reportedly invested ₹50,000 towards the operation.
- The group allegedly travelled to the Jagannath Puri region of Odisha, where they purchased 112 kg of ganja from unidentified persons at ₹2,000 per kg, paying a total of ₹2.24 lakh.
- The contraband was packed into 41 packets and loaded into an Innova car for transportation to Maharashtra.
Escort Car Used to Avoid Police Checks
- To avoid detection during transportation, the gang allegedly used an Ertiga car as an escort vehicle. The vehicle travelled ahead of the Innova and monitored police movements, alerting the occupants of the vehicle carrying the ganja.
- However, on November 7, the Innova car reportedly developed a mechanical breakdown on National Highway-65, near Padmavathi Function Hall on the outskirts of Suryapet.
- The accused allegedly abandoned the vehicle beside the highway and fled.
Police Recover 112 Kg of Ganja
- After receiving information about a suspiciously parked vehicle, Suryapet II Town Sub-Inspectors K. Gopikrishna and B. Ramachandram, along with their team, reached the location and inspected the Innova.
- During the search, police discovered 112 kg of ganja packed in 41 packets. The contraband and the vehicle were seized in the presence of witnesses, and a case was registered.
Two Accused Arrested; Three Others Absconding
- As part of the investigation, police identified two accused who returned to Suryapet on November 12 to retrieve the abandoned vehicle. They were taken into custody and questioned.
The arrested accused were identified as:
- Akash Vijay Dabekar (23), from Beed district, Maharashtra.
- Akash Dilip More (32), from Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
Police also seized three mobile phones from their possession.
Both accused were arrested, produced before the court and sent to judicial remand. Police teams have launched a search operation to trace the remaining three accused who are currently absconding.
Strict Action Against Drug Trafficking: SP K. Narasimha
- Speaking at the media conference, SP K. Narasimha stated that special surveillance and regular inspections were being conducted across the district to prevent ganja trafficking and illegal sales.
- He warned that the police would not tolerate drug trafficking or the illegal sale of narcotic substances, which pose a serious threat to the health and future of young people.
- The SP appealed to citizens to immediately inform the police if they come across information about illegal ganja transportation, sales or related activities. He assured that the identities of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
SP Appreciates Police Team
- The SP appreciated the police personnel who played a key role in detecting the smuggling operation and seizing the contraband.
- Those appreciated included Town Inspector Venkatayya, Sub-Inspectors K. Gopikrishna and Ramachandram, Head Constable Sriramulu, and Constables Konda Ramesh and N. Naveen.
- Kodaad DSP Srinivas Reddy, CI Venkatayya and other police personnel were also present during the media briefing.
- The investigation is continuing to trace the remaining accused and establish further details of the alleged interstate smuggling network.
