Nagpur: In a major crackdown on interstate drug trafficking, the NDPS squad of Pardi Police Station unearthed a well-organised ganja smuggling network under “Operation Thunder” and seized 34 kilograms of cannabis worth lakhs of rupees. Six accused have been arrested in connection with the case, while police have launched a hunt for the absconding kingpin linked to Odisha.
The late-night operation was carried out near Umiya Complex, close to Shiv Mandir on the Bhandara-Nagpur Highway, where police intercepted suspicious movement between a truck and a Swift Dzire car.
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According to police sources, the NDPS team was patrolling the area when officers noticed suspicious transactions taking place between the occupants of an Ashok Leyland Truck and a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. The behaviour of the suspects reportedly raised suspicion, prompting the police to immediately detain and question them.
During interrogation, the responses of the accused appeared evasive and suspicious. Acting swiftly, police conducted a search in the presence of panch witnesses and recovered 34 kilograms of ganja concealed in the vehicles.
The arrested accused have been identified as Syed Sumel, Mohammad Anas, Ravi Sahu, Aniket Gayner, Aman Gaydhane and Akash Vitole.
Police investigations revealed that Akash Vitole, a resident of Mohadi in Bhandara district, is believed to be the key coordinator of the racket. During preliminary interrogation, it allegedly surfaced that the accused had sourced the contraband from a wanted trafficker based in Sambalpur, Odisha.
Investigators said the consignment was transported from Sambalpur to Nagpur through the truck driver as part of an organised interstate narcotics supply chain operating across state borders.
Police seized an Ashok Leyland Truck, a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, eight mobile phones and 34 kilograms of ganja collectively valued at around Rs 29.05 lakh.
A case has been registered against all six accused under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Pardi Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
Police officials said efforts are on to trace other members of the smuggling syndicate. The investigation agency is currently searching for the alleged mastermind, identified as Vijay Kumar Behera, a resident of Sambalpur in Odisha, who is believed to be a major interstate narcotics supplier.
