Bhubaneswar, Jul 2: The investigation into an interstate cannabis trafficking network has expanded, with the Chhattisgarh Police seeking custody of five accused arrested by the Odisha Special Task Force (STF) after investigators linked them to a February case involving the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of cannabis and an attack on a police team.

A Chhattisgarh Police team reached the STF headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Thursday to seek the custody of Nilambar Kanhar, Durbasa Sahu, Arun Kumar Rana, Subuddhi Sahu and Prakash Khatua. The team is expected to move a court for their remand.

Linked to Last Year's Seizure
According to a source, the accused are wanted in a case registered on February 26, 2025, when Chhattisgarh Police intercepted two trucks carrying nearly 3,000 kg of cannabis near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.

Police alleged that members of the trafficking syndicate and their associates attacked the Chhattisgarh Police team during the operation, enabling some suspects to flee. The investigation into that case later led police to the five accused.

Odisha STF Arrests
In a separate operation on June 26, the Odisha STF arrested Durbasa Sahu, Subuddhi Sahu, Prakash Khatua and Arun Kumar Rana during raids in Boudh district. Nilambar Kanhar was later arrested in connection with the same investigation.

The STF alleged that Durbasa Sahu and Subuddhi Sahu were the masterminds of an interstate cannabis trafficking network operating from Odisha.

Also Read: Odisha Police Bust Armed Dacoity Gang, Two Arrested

Rs 10 Note Used as Secret Code
Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra said investigators found that the syndicate allegedly used halves of Rs 10 currency notes as secret identification codes during cannabis deliveries.

According to the STF, suppliers and receivers each carried one half of a Rs 10 note, and consignments were handed over only after the matching halves were produced. Investigators alleged the network supplied cannabis from Odisha to West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and other states.

During the June 26 operation, the STF seized a Maruti car, mobile phones, a gold chain and other incriminating materials.

Police said Durbasa Sahu and Subuddhi Sahu have previous criminal records and were earlier arrested by the STF in 2015.

Siezure Data
According to the STF, more than 1.77 lakh kg of cannabis has been seized across Odisha this year as part of its anti-narcotics drive.

STF DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh said investigators are working to dismantle the entire trafficking network and identify all those involved.