Bhubaneswar: In an intensified crackdown on organised interstate narcotics networks, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch has three alleged traffickers connected to a Rajasthan-based syndicate and recovered Rs 3.86 lakh in cash.
The accused have been identified as Sibaram Biswal (38) from Phasiguda, Digapahandi in Ganjam district; Sibaram Patra (33) from Chanameri, Digapahandi; and Manoranjan Sabat alias Kana Mitu (49) from Brajaraja Nagar in Berhampur, Ganjam district. Searches at Biswal’s residence yielded the cash along with mobile phones and other items suspected to be linked to the narcotics trade. The source of the money is being examined for possible ties to drug proceeds.
According to police, Sabat has a history of criminal cases involving kidnapping, extortion, assault, and excise violations, while Biswal l was previously booked under the NDPS Act in Bhusawal, Maharashtra, in 2023.
The operation was part of the investigation into seizure of 227.4 kg of ganja from an a truck intercepted on NH-16 near Pitapali in Khordha district an April 18. The vehicle was reportedly carrying the consignment from Adava in Gajapati district toward Rajasthan. Initial arrests included the truck’s alleged transporter, Paras Nath from Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Further probes using technical surveillance, field intelligence, and witness accounts exposed an organised Odisha-based network facilitating the supply chain, leading to the arrests.
The three accused were produced before the jurisdictional magistrate, with police have sough remand of Biswal and Sabat to trace additional syndicate members, map financial trails, and gather more evidence. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Notably, Odisha has seen heightened anti-narcotics activity in recent months, including multiple interstate ganja busts and large-scale destruction of seized cannabis under initiatives like Nisha Mukta Abhiyan.
