Odisha Gang Busted with 91 Kg of Marijuana

Quick Summary

• Incident: Four men from Odisha were caught in Hyderabad with 91 kilograms of marijuana, worth ₹22.75 lakh, concealed in passenger luggage bags during an inter-state drug smuggling operation.
• Accused Details: The arrested individuals are Prakash Chandra Pradhan (47), Basanta Badatya (20), Ghansyam Badatya (33), and Chitrasena Jani (19) from Ganjam district, Odisha.
• Modus Operandi: Marijuana was sourced in odisha and secretly transported via trolley bags and backpacks in AC coaches en route to Pune, Maharashtra. They delivered the consignments to receivers named Sai Ram and Mommy.
• Past Activity: Investigators revealed the gang had conducted over 20 similar drug transports within the past year. Each member earned ₹10,000 per consignment and later invested their own money for higher profits.
• Seizure: Apart from marijuana, four mobile phones and other incriminating materials were confiscated.
• Legal Action: A case has been filed under sections of the NDPS act; efforts are ongoing to locate supplier Prashanth and further members of the network.
• Wider Operations by Law Enforcement:

– Since 2024, authorities including EAGLE force, RPF, GRP have handled 116 cases involving drugs on long-distance trains like Konark Express and visakha Express.
– This effort led to arrests of 147 accused and seizure of over 2,327 kg marijuana.

For tips about drug-related activities:
– Toll-free number: 1908
– WhatsApp: 87126 71111
– email ID: tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in

Indian Opinion Analysis

The arrest highlights significant vulnerabilities within India’s rail networks being exploited for smuggling narcotics across states. The usage of AC train coaches effectively camouflaged operations under routine passenger activity while leveraging national transport routes like Pune-Odisha linkages for widespread distribution.

While law enforcement agencies have intensified crackdown efforts – seizing vast amounts of contraband – this case underscores that organized criminal networks are adaptable. Their ability to repeatedly transport illegal substances indicates possible lapses in detection mechanisms or reliance on tip-offs for intervention rather than systemic reforms.Expanding resources toward surveillance technology on high-risk routes or tighter cargo scrutiny could be vital next steps as India combats its growing inter-state drug trade challenges effectively. Collaborative policing between originating regions (like Odisha) alongside transit points may further strengthen response frameworks against such elegant cartels exploiting connectivity infrastructure.

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