Raigarh, Chhattisgarh |In a major breakthrough under its anti-drug campaign “Operation Aghaat,” Raigarh Police successfully intercepted an interstate narcotics smuggling operation and seized approximately 300 kilograms of cannabis (ganja) being transported from Odisha to Madhya Pradesh. The operation resulted in the arrest of three alleged drug traffickers and the seizure of assets worth approximately ₹1.86 crore (US$220,000).
According to police officials, the cannabis consignment, valued at nearly ₹1.5 crore, was being transported from the Sonepur region of Odisha to Anuppur district in Madhya Pradesh using two luxury vehicles. Acting on intelligence inputs, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh directed immediate action, leading to a multi-layered blockade and surveillance operation by the Lailunga Police Station team.
Suspicious Vehicles Intercepted During Police Checkpoint Operation
The breakthrough came during a coordinated checkpoint operation on the Katkaliya route, where officers stopped a Toyota Innova Crysta and a Maruti Suzuki XL6 matching the description provided by informants.
During the inspection, police discovered that the Innova was fitted with dual number plates, raising immediate suspicion. The vehicle displayed registration number OD-10-H-0050, while another plate underneath carried the number CG-13-BY-6540, indicating an attempt to conceal the vehicle’s identity and evade law enforcement.
Following legal procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officers conducted a thorough search of both vehicles.
300 Kg Cannabis Haul Worth ₹1.5 Crore Recovered
The search led to the recovery of approximately 300 kilograms of illegal cannabis concealed inside the two vehicles. Police estimated the market value of the narcotics at around ₹1.5 crore.
In addition to the drugs, authorities seized:
- Toyota Innova Crysta valued at approximately ₹20 lakh
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 valued at approximately ₹14 lakh
- Five mobile phones, including two Apple iPhones, valued at around ₹2 lakh
The total value of the seized property is estimated at approximately ₹1.86 crore.
Three Accused Arrested
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Nikhil Kashyap (23), resident of Ramanujganj, Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh
- Rinku Kashyap (28), resident of Darima area, Surguja district, Chhattisgarh
- Dharmendra Kumar Maurya (27), resident of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh
Police have registered a case under Sections 20(B) and 29 of the NDPS Act and initiated further legal proceedings.
Interstate Drug Network Under Investigation
During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that the cannabis shipment was intended for delivery to associates in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh. Based on these disclosures, a special investigation team has been dispatched to Surguja and Anuppur to identify additional suspects and dismantle the wider interstate smuggling network.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of SSP Shashi Mohan Singh, with guidance from Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Soni and SDOP Dharamjaigarh Siddhant Tiwari. The Lailunga Police team, led by Sub-Inspector Girdhari Sav, played a key role in the successful interception and seizure.
SSP Issues Strong Warning to Drug Traffickers
Commenting on the operation, SSP Shashi Mohan Singh stated:
“Raigarh Police will continue its aggressive action against individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. Our objective is to make the district drug-free by targeting interstate traffickers and dismantling their entire network through strict legal action.”
The seizure marks one of the largest cannabis recoveries in the region this year and underscores Raigarh Police’s ongoing commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
