Jeypore (Koraput): The Koraput police have foiled a major ganja smuggling operation in Padua, arresting five smugglers and seizing 350 kg of ganja, along with two pistols and live ammunition. The operation was carried out based on a tip-off, which led the police to intercept a Bolero vehicle suspected of transporting the contraband.
The accused, identified as Lal Bahadur Darji (34), Trinath Khara (30), Suresh Besai (22), Sanjay Khara (19), and driver Yogesh Khara (20), were apprehended after a high-speed chase and a brief encounter in which the smugglers attempted to flee into the forest, brandishing pistols. The police managed to overpower them and recover the arms.
Lal Bahadur Darji, the main accused, is a notorious offender with over 20 criminal cases against him, including non-bailable warrants. The police seized 350 kg of ganja, a Bolero vehicle, two pistols (one gold-colored and one Auto Distal made in the USA), two magazines, and four live bullets.
Koraput SP Rohit Verma addressed the media at a press conference held at the Jeypore SDPO office, highlighting the success of the operation. SDPO Partha Kashyap, Sadar police station IIC Sachindra Pradhan, and Padua police station Officer Ashok Kumar Bisoyi were also present.
The accused were produced in court today, and further investigation is underway to uncover the extent of the smuggling network.
