Raipur – In a major offensive against interstate drug trafficking, Mahasamund police launched ‘Operation Nishchay’, a 10-hour surgical strike resulting in the seizure of 685.89 kg of ganja and 700 psychotropic tablets. The police arrested 13 smugglers, including seven from other states, across four police station jurisdictions.
The total value of the seized assets, which include the narcotics and five vehicles used for transport, is estimated at ₹4.61 crore. The crackdown highlights the police’s success in intercepting diverse smuggling methods, ranging from ‘packers and movers’ trucks to private cars and motorcycles.
Major seizures across jurisdictions
The operations were carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in coordination with the Basna, Komakhan, Mahasamund, and Singhoda police stations.
Basna: In the largest single haul, police intercepted a Bolero pickup truck (TS 08 UH 8606) operating under the guise of a ‘Movers and Packers’ service. The vehicle, carrying household items like a scooter, electronics, and furniture, was found concealing 454.89 kg of ganja worth ₹2.27 crore. The driver, Imran Teli (37) from Rajasthan, was arrested.
Komakhan: Two separate operations on NH-353 led to significant recoveries.
- Police seized 200 kg of ganja worth ₹1 crore from a Swift Dzire (JH 01 FZ 4071) travelling from Odisha to Uttar Pradesh. Yuvraj Nayak, Keshav Dayal, and Rahul Agnihotri were taken into custody.
- In another check, a truck (CG 04 NJ 9586) was found carrying 25 kg of ganja hidden under the seats. Shiv Mohit Sahu and Pushpendra Sahu from Madhya Pradesh were arrested.
Singhoda: A motorcycle (CG 11 AZ 3766) was intercepted on NH-53. Police recovered 6 kg of ganja and arrested Devcharan Ratre (Chhattisgarh) and Kishore Rautia (Odisha).
Mahasamund: Acting on a tip-off near Chhipiyapara railway station, police arrested five local men—Rakesh Kumar Sahu, Manoj Kumar Sonber, Saddam Qureshi, Rinku Chandrakar, and Kamesh Chandrakar. They were found in possession of 700 Spasmo Proxyvon Plus capsules containing Tramadol.
Sustained pressure on drug syndicates
The Mahasamund police have intensified their vigil over the last quarter. Statistics reveal that in the past three months, the district police have registered 63 cases, seizing a total of 4,054.35 kg of ganja and arresting 165 individuals.
District officials stated that the recent operation involved “end-to-end” action, where not only the transporters but also logistics coordinators and wholesalers were targeted. The Bilaspur Police and the Raipur Commissionerate Crime Branch provided critical support in tracing the network links.
All accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
