Dhamtari, India | June 2026
In a significant blow to an alleged interstate drug trafficking network, police in the central Indian district of Dhamtari have arrested two suspected traffickers and seized 44 kilograms of marijuana (cannabis) during a targeted operation in the Mechka area. Authorities confiscated narcotics, a vehicle, mobile phones, and cash with a combined estimated value of more than ₹1.5 million ($18,000 USD).
The operation marks the sixth major anti-marijuana trafficking action carried out by Dhamtari Police within the last six weeks as part of an intensified campaign against organized drug smuggling.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Seizure
According to police officials, the operation was conducted under the direction of Superintendent of Police (SP) Suraj Singh Parihar, who has launched a district-wide crackdown on illegal narcotics, alcohol smuggling, gambling, and organized criminal activities.
Law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance along border regions connected to the neighboring states of Odisha and Maharashtra, which are often used as transit routes by traffickers.
Police received intelligence from an informant indicating that a red passenger car bearing registration number GJ-03-PD-5152 was transporting a large quantity of marijuana from Bhawanipatna, Odisha, toward Dhamtari. Acting on the information, officers established a checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle in the Mechka region.
44 Kilograms of Marijuana Recovered
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 44 kilograms of marijuana, with an estimated street value of ₹880,000.
Investigators said the suspects were unable to provide any legal documentation authorizing the transportation of the narcotic substance. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted that the marijuana had been sourced in Odisha and was being transported to Gujarat, where it was intended for illegal distribution and sale.
Suspects Identified
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Sameer Khamisa Sindhi, a resident of Morbi, Gujarat
- Mohammad Rafiq Lodhi, a resident of Jamnagar District, Gujarat
Both men have been charged under provisions of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, one of the country’s primary anti-drug laws.
Assets Seized During the Operation
Police confiscated the following items:
- 44 kilograms of marijuana valued at approximately ₹880,000
- One passenger car worth about ₹600,000
- Three mobile phones valued at approximately ₹15,000
- Cash totaling ₹7,500
The total estimated value of the seized assets is approximately ₹1,502,500.
Following their arrest, the suspects were presented before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.
Series of Major Drug Busts
Authorities highlighted that the latest seizure is part of a broader effort to dismantle interstate drug trafficking networks operating through central India.
Over the past six weeks, Dhamtari Police have conducted several major narcotics operations, including:
- Seizure of 127.09 kilograms of marijuana and assets worth ₹7.27 million at the Sankara Check Post
- Recovery of 54.97 kilograms of marijuana along with property valued at ₹3.35 million
- Confiscation of 37.8 kilograms of marijuana hidden inside a vehicle trunk
- Exposure of a trafficking operation involving 131 kilograms of marijuana allegedly concealed under the cover of a textile business
- Arrest of a suspect linked to Delhi with 7.724 kilograms of marijuana
Police Vow Continued Crackdown
Dhamtari Police officials stated that criminal organizations attempting to use border regions as safe corridors for narcotics transportation will face strict enforcement measures. Authorities have pledged to continue intelligence-driven operations and strengthen monitoring of interstate trafficking routes to disrupt illegal drug networks operating across state boundaries.
Officials emphasized that the campaign against narcotics trafficking remains a top law enforcement priority and that further arrests and seizures are expected as investigations continue.
