02-Jun-2026

SAMBALPUR (ASHISH BUDHIA REPORTER):Sambalpur Police Bust Interstate Ganja Smuggling Racket; Two Apprehended with 22kg Contraband. In a significant breakthrough against the narcotics trade, the Sambalpur Police intercepted an interstate smuggling attempt near Rengali Railway Station, seizing 22.670 kg of Ganja and arresting two suspects. The pre-dawn operation on June 1 led to the apprehension of Rohit Samartha and Bijaya Ganbir near Chauldhipu. The contraband, classified as a commercial quantity, was found concealed in a plastic sack. Preliminary investigations indicate the duo had procured the haul from Boudh and was attempting to transport it to Ranchi, Jharkhand, via rail for illegal pecuniary gain. Following strict compliance with NDPS Act protocols in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, the police also seized mobile phones and cash. The accused have been booked under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act and forwarded to the court. While representative samples have been sent to SFSL Bhubaneswar for chemical analysis, officials are continuing investigations to map the broader interstate trafficking network involved.