In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, excise officials in Odisha arrested four individuals and confiscated a large consignment of ganja worth approximately ₹25 lakh from National Highway 59 in Ganjam district on Tuesday.
Major Haul on National Highway
The operation was conducted by the intelligence and enforcement bureau of the excise department at Dhaugaon on NH-59. The team intercepted a car that was allegedly transporting 52 kilograms of ganja. Another vehicle, which was escorting the drug-laden car, was also seized during the operation.
Deputy Superintendent Srutikant Rout confirmed the details, stating that apart from the two vehicles, four mobile phones were also confiscated from the accused. The total estimated value of the seized items is around ₹25 lakh.
Identities of the Accused Revealed
The arrested persons have been identified as residents of Kandhamal district. They are Jinunga Mallick (33) of Bataguda, Karan Digal (25) of Budrugia, Renuka Mallick (29) of Dindapusi (Daringbadi), and Dillip Digal (38) of Sunapanga (Baliguda).
Police revealed a concerning detail about one of the accused. Dillip Digal was arrested by excise personnel in Berhampur two years ago in a similar ganja smuggling case and was out on bail at the time of this latest arrest.
Investigations into Past Crimes
Authorities are now digging deeper to uncover possible links to earlier drug smuggling activities. "We are verifying the involvement of the other accused in earlier drug smuggling cases," stated Deputy Superintendent Rout, indicating that this bust might be connected to a larger network.
The successful interception highlights the continued vigilance of the excise department on key transport routes in Odisha. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking in the region and the re-involvement of individuals previously caught for similar offences.
