Jashpur, Chhattisgarh | : In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Jashpur Police seized 21.5 kilograms of illegal cannabis (ganja) from a Tata Nexon SUV under its ongoing Operation Aaghat. The suspected smugglers managed to escape after abandoning their vehicle when it crashed into a divider while attempting to evade a police checkpoint.
The police have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and launched an intensive search to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Tip-Off Leads to Police Action
According to the police, the operation began in the early hours of August 3, when officers received credible intelligence from an informer regarding the transportation of a large quantity of illegal cannabis.
The information indicated that a white Tata Nexon (Registration No. UP-54-AF-7976) was carrying the contraband from Rairuma–Lailunga towards Ambikapur via Pathalgaon.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police established a security checkpoint (nakabandi) near Indira Chowk in Pathalgaon at around 4:30 AM to intercept the suspected vehicle.
Smugglers Attempt to Escape
When the suspected SUV reached the checkpoint, police personnel signaled the driver to stop for inspection. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated the vehicle and sped away towards the Ambikapur Road, triggering a high-speed chase.
Police teams immediately pursued the fleeing vehicle in an effort to intercept the smugglers before they could escape.
Car Crashes During Chase
The chase came to an end near Kadam Ghat, where the speeding Tata Nexon reportedly went out of control and collided with a road divider.
Following the accident, the occupants abandoned the damaged vehicle and fled from the scene before police officers could apprehend them.
Despite immediate efforts by the police, the suspects managed to escape into the surrounding area.
21.5 Kg of Cannabis Recovered
In the presence of witnesses, police conducted a thorough search of the abandoned vehicle.
During the inspection, officers discovered three bags inside the vehicle’s trunk containing 11 packets wrapped in yellow plastic tape.
The recovered contraband was identified as 21 kilograms and 500 grams of cannabis (ganja).
Police estimated the market value of the seized cannabis at approximately ₹10 lakh.
Vehicle Also Seized
Along with the narcotics, police also seized the Tata Nexon SUV, which has an estimated value of ₹6 lakh.
The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle and the narcotics, is estimated at ₹16 lakh.
The vehicle has been taken into police custody as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Important Documents Recovered
Investigators also recovered an Aadhaar Card and several other documents from inside the vehicle.
These documents are expected to play a crucial role in identifying the suspects and establishing links with the drug trafficking network.
Police are currently verifying the recovered documents and tracing the individuals connected to the vehicle.
Investigation Underway
A criminal case has been registered, and multiple police teams have been deployed to locate and arrest the absconding accused.
Authorities are also investigating whether the seized cannabis was part of a larger interstate narcotics supply network operating through Chhattisgarh.
Police Reaffirm Commitment Against Drug Trafficking
Commenting on the successful seizure, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Lal Umed Singh said that Operation Aaghat is an ongoing campaign aimed at eliminating illegal narcotics trade from the district.
He stated that the seizure of 21.5 kilograms of cannabis demonstrates the police’s commitment to taking strong action against drug smugglers.
The SSP further emphasized that efforts are continuing to identify and arrest the absconding accused, adding that no individual involved in narcotics trafficking will be spared.
Operation Aaghat Intensifies Anti-Narcotics Drive
The latest seizure highlights the continued success of Operation Aaghat, a special enforcement initiative launched by the Jashpur Police to curb the illegal drug trade in the region.
By strengthening intelligence gathering, conducting targeted checkpoints, and increasing surveillance on major transportation routes, the police aim to dismantle organized narcotics networks and prevent illegal substances from reaching consumers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities expect further developments as the search for the fugitives continues.
