Bhubaneswar: In a significant breakthrough against interstate narcotics trafficking, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha has arrested three members of an organised cannabis smuggling network with links to Rajasthan.
The arrests are part of the STF’s ongoing data-driven campaign to dismantle organised drug syndicates operating across state borders. The action relates to STF PS Case No. 08 dated 18.04.2026 registered under various sections of the NDPS Act.
On April 18, 2026, the STF had intercepted an Eicher container truck (GJ-27-TD-1541) on NH-16 near Pitapali in Khordha district and seized a commercial quantity of 227.400 kg of ganja, which was being transported from Adava in Gajapati district to Rajasthan.
Following intensive investigation involving technical evidence, field intelligence and witness statements, the STF sleuths arrested three accused from Ganjam district identified as Sibaram Biswal (38) of Badadanda Sahi, Sibaram Patra (33) of Chanameri and Kana Mitu alias Manoranjan Sabat (49), resident of Brajaraja Nagar of Ganjam.
Kana Mitu has multiple criminal cases against him, including serious charges from Dharakote and Berhampur police stations. Sibaram Biswal also has a previous NDPS case registered against him in Maharashtra. During searches, the STF recovered Rs 3.86 lakh in cash from the residence of Sibaram Biswal along with mobile phones and other incriminating materials. The source of the cash is being investigated as proceeds of drug trafficking.
The STF stated that the arrested persons played a key role in procurement, concealment, and interstate transportation of commercial quantities of ganja from Odisha to Rajasthan and other states.The accused will be produced before the jurisdictional Magistrate today.
The STF is expected to seek police custody remand of Sibaram Biswal and Kana Mitu to further uncover the full network, financial trail, and other members of the syndicate. As part of a larger strategy, the STF is compiling a comprehensive dossier on interstate drug mafia and has sought cooperation from Crime Branches of other states.
Teams from STF had recently visited Gujarat and Rajasthan in connection with the probe. This operation is part of the STF’s intensified drive against organised narcotics criminals operating in and from Odisha.
