162 Kg Ganja Seized in Kalahandi, One Arrested with Minor

Excise officials in Kalahandi seized 162 kilograms of ganja and arrested a youth accompanied by a minor during a raid near Rajamunda on National Highway 59 on August 23, 2026. The operation was carried out following the directives issued by Kalahandi Excise Superintendent Ranjan Kumar Naik. A team led by Deputy Superintendent Sagarika Pradhan intercepted a white Maruti Suzuki car that was travelling on the highway. The vehicle bore the registration number OR-02-AW-9881, which officials noted had originally been registered as CG-04-HA-2811.

During the interception, Excise Inspector Vijay Bhushan Nayak, together with the M. Rampur excise officer Ajit Kumar Nayak and supporting staff, conducted a search of the car. The search revealed 162 kilograms of ganja that was being transported from Kandhamal district toward Balangir. In addition to the narcotics, the officers confiscated two mobile phones that were being used to coordinate the smuggling activity.

The driver of the car was identified as Bapi Pradhan, aged 26, who was accompanied by a minor passenger. Both individuals were taken into custody and charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with the case registered as NDPS Act case number 124/26-27. Excise sources later confirmed that Bapi Pradhan resides within the jurisdiction of the Phiringia police station in Kandhamal district.

The raid team comprised several officers: Baleswar Dhangadamajhi, Simanchal Majhi, Binata Kumar, Duleswar Pradhan, Daitari Tandi, Pruthviraj Bag, and Siddhant Pattanayak. Their combined efforts led to the successful interception and seizure. Authorities emphasized that the seized ganja was destined for illegal distribution in Balangir, highlighting the inter‑district nature of the trafficking route.

Officials reiterated that the action was part of ongoing efforts to curb the illicit ganja trade that moves through the corridor linking Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Balangir. The confiscation of the smartphones was noted as a significant element in disrupting the communication network used by the smugglers. The seized vehicle, the contraband, and the electronic devices were all secured as evidence for the ensuing legal proceedings.

The interception occurred near Rajamunda, which falls under the M. Rampur block of Kalahandi district.

The seizure was reported on August 23, 2026, by the excise department.