Jashpur, India
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking under “Operation Aaghat,” Jashpur Police seized a massive consignment of illegal marijuana weighing 185.42 kilograms and arrested two interstate drug traffickers in the Narayanpur police station area. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth over ₹55 million (approximately USD 660,000) in the illegal market.
The operation was carried out in Ranikombo village, where police intercepted a Hyundai Creta car (registration number UP-32-HF-0299) used to transport the narcotics. The smugglers had concealed the marijuana under the vehicle’s rear seat and inside the trunk, hidden beneath a carpet and wrapped in yellow plastic tape. A total of 180 packets of marijuana were recovered.
Swift Action on Intelligence Input
According to police officials, in the early hours of January 20, 2026 (between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m.), Narayanpur Police received a tip-off from a confidential informant about a suspicious white Creta vehicle transporting marijuana from Malkangiri, Odisha, toward Uttar Pradesh via Kunkuri and Narayanpur.
Acting swiftly, the information was shared with senior officers. Under the direction of Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh, police teams from Narayanpur and Bagicha stations set up a road blockade and vehicle check. The suspect vehicle was stopped and searched, leading to the seizure and arrests.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Shan Mohammad alias Sanu (22), resident of Jagdishpur, Manpurlal, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Suhail Ahmad (19), resident of Saraurkala, Kamalapur, Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh
During interrogation, the accused confessed that they were transporting the marijuana on instructions from a handler based in Lucknow, who has since been identified. Police said efforts are underway to arrest the third accused soon.
Legal Action and Further Investigation
Both accused have been booked under Section 20(b)(2)(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Narayanpur Police Station. After completing legal formalities, they were produced before the court and sent to judicial custody.
Police also seized the vehicle and mobile phones used in the crime. Digital forensic analysis of the seized devices is currently in progress to uncover further links in the drug trafficking network.
Police Statement
Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh stated that Jashpur Police remains committed to eradicating drug trafficking from the region.
“The accused were transporting over 185 kilograms of marijuana to Uttar Pradesh using a private vehicle. Both have been sent to judicial custody. Operation Aaghat will continue, and anyone involved in drug trafficking will not be spared,” he said.
Team Effort
The successful operation was led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Amarbel Minz, along with Anil Kamre, Naresh Minz, Head Constable Umesh Minz, and Constables Avinash Soni and Kuldeep Khalkho, whose coordinated efforts played a crucial role.