Police in Jashpur district recovered a total of 520 kg of marijuana in coordinated operations across multiple locations on Friday, seizing three vehicles and arresting four people, officials said. One suspect is reported to be on the run as investigators widen inquiries into an apparent inter‑state smuggling link between Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
Large consignment recovered in separate actions
The haul — which the police estimate to be worth about ₹3 crore including the vehicles — was recovered in three separate actions carried out as part of Operation Aaghat, an ongoing campaign targeting illegal drug trafficking in the state.
In two related recoveries in the Kunkuri area, officers intercepted two vehicles and retrieved 494 kg of marijuana. In the first interception, a Bolero pickup truck with no registration number was stopped and found to be carrying 246 kg of the drug; two individuals, identified as residents of Bihar, were taken into custody.
During a second operation, police located a Kia Seltos from which 248 kg of marijuana were recovered. The driver of that vehicle managed to flee when police approached and is currently being tracked.
Separate seizure and arrests
In a separate search prompted by a tip‑off, a Swift Dzire was checked and found to contain 26 kg of marijuana. Two suspects arrested in that action were named as Kamal Kishore Ojha and Anita Soni, both reported to be from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh. Anita Soni is among the four people detained across the three operations.
"Police had apprehended major drug traffickers during operations carried out across different police station areas," said SP Dr Lal Umed Singh.
Route and investigation
Preliminary questioning of the detainees indicated that the marijuana consignment was allegedly being transported from Odisha towards Uttar Pradesh. Police said they are investigating the wider trafficking network to ascertain suppliers, handlers and intended recipients linked to the seizure.
Officers involved in the probe said the operation was intelligence‑led and involved coordination across multiple police stations in Jashpur district. Forensic and narcotics teams are expected to examine the seized material to verify weight and purity, and vehicle ownership and movement histories are being traced.
Seizure breakdown
| Item | Quantity / Details |
|---|---|
| Total marijuana recovered | 520 kg |
| Major recoveries (Kunkuri) | 246 kg (Bolero pickup), 248 kg (Kia Seltos) |
| Separate recovery | 26 kg (Swift Dzire) |
| Vehicles seized | Bolero pickup (no reg. number), Kia Seltos, Swift Dzire |
| Arrests | 4 (one suspect absconding) |
| Estimated value | ₹3 crore (including vehicles) |
Local impact and next steps
Authorities said the operation aimed to disrupt trafficking channels running through Chhattisgarh that link eastern and northern states. Police teams will now seek to establish whether the arrested suspects are part of a larger syndicate or were engaged as transporters, couriers or intermediaries.
Investigators have opened cases under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Further detentions are possible as forensic results and call‑data records are analysed and as officers follow leads on the vehicle movements and ownership.
- Operation Aaghat remains active in Jashpur with increased patrolling and checkpoints.
- Police continue to trace the driver who escaped from the Kia Seltos and the person reported to be at large.
- Authorities are coordinating with neighbouring state police units to map the alleged Odisha–Uttar Pradesh route.
Officials did not immediately disclose where the arrested persons would be produced for further legal proceedings. Additional statements from senior police officials were awaited at the time of reporting.
