RAIGARH – In a significant blow to interstate narcotics trafficking, the Raigarh Police successfully intercepted a major shipment of cannabis (Ganja) arriving from Odisha. Under the strategic anti-drug campaign “Operation Aaghat,” officials arrested two smugglers and seized assets valued at over $24,000 (approx. ₹20.24 Lakhs).
The operation, conducted on April 19, 2026, was spearheaded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, focusing on dismantling supply chains entering Chhattisgarh from neighboring states.
The Incident: High-Stakes Interception
Following a tip-off from a confidential informant, a joint task force comprising the Tamnar Police and the Cyber Cell established a blockade on the Dhaurabhatha Main Road.
The team intercepted a white Swift Dzire (Registration: OR 15 T 7372) traveling from Bilaimunda, Odisha. Upon a detailed search of the vehicle, officers discovered nine large packets of high-quality cannabis concealed within the car’s trunk.
Seized Assets Include:
- Narcotics: 60 Kilograms of Cannabis (Estimated value: ₹15.14 Lakhs).
- Vehicle: One Swift Dzire car used for transport (Estimated value: ₹5 Lakhs).
- Electronics: Two smartphones (Vivo and Oppo brands).
- Total Seizure Value: ₹20,24,750.
Profiles of the Accused
The police arrested two local residents involved in the transport:
- Sohan Lal Sidar (40), a resident of Raipara, Tamnar.
- Vinod Pradhan (33), a resident of Samkera, Tamnar.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to sourcing the drugs from a supplier identified as Kamal Mehar in Sambalpur, Odisha. While the two transporters are in custody, Mehar remains at large, and police have launched a manhunt to track him down.
Legal Action and the “Operation Aaghat” Mandate
The Tamnar Police have registered a formal case (Crime No. 78/2026) under Sections 20(B) and 29 of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. Both arrested individuals have been sent to judicial remand.
SSP Shashi Mohan Singh issued a stern warning following the bust:
“The Raigarh Police are committed to completely eradicating the illegal drug trade. No one involved in these crimes will be spared. We urge the public to come forward with information; identities will remain confidential, and swift action is guaranteed.”
The Tactical Team
The successful operation was executed by a dedicated team including Tamnar Station House Officer (SHO) Prashant Rao, Cyber Cell In-charge Vijay Chelak, and several key officers from the Cyber and Tamnar units, highlighting the effective coordination between field intelligence and digital forensics.