Crime in Odisha / STF Cracks Odisha-Rajasthan Ganja Corridor, Three Arrested

Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: Odisha’s Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled a major inter-state drug syndicate operating a ganja corridor from Odisha to Rajasthan. The crackdown follows months of data-driven targeting, technical analysis, and field intelligence.

On April 18, STF seized a container loaded with 227.4 kg of ganja near Pitapalli in Khordha district and arrested Paras Nath from Rajasthan.

This marked the beginning of a deeper probe into the network. Investigators traced links across Gujarat and Rajasthan, eventually identifying the syndicate’s core operators.

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In a decisive move, STF arrested three masterminds from Ganjam district — Shibaram Biswal, Shibaram Patra, and Kana Mitu alias Manoranjan Sabat.

During raids, officials recovered ₹3.86 lakh in cash, mobile phones, and incriminating documents from Biswal’s residence. Authorities are probing whether the seized cash is directly linked to drug trade profits.

Investigations revealed that the gang collected commercial quantities of ganja from various parts of Odisha and transported them to Rajasthan and other states. The syndicate’s operations were highly organized, with financial transactions and logistics managed through a wide network of associates.

STF officials confirmed that the probe has now expanded to track the gang’s financial dealings, assets, and other members involved in the network. What began as a single seizure has now exposed the roots of a powerful drug cartel. The next targets are being identified as the investigation intensifies.

This breakthrough highlights Odisha’s growing role as a transit hub in the inter-state narcotics trade, while STF’s aggressive pursuit signals a strong crackdown on organized drug syndicates.