Ganjam, Mar 11: The Excise Department today arrested a 19-year-old college student near Digapahandi Agriculture District Office for allegedly transporting ganja on a motorcycle.

The accused has been identified as Binay Raita, a resident of Halapanka village under Mohana police limits in Gajapati district.

According to reports, police intercepted Raita near the Digapahandi Agriculture District Office and arrested him for allegedly transporting ganja on a motorcycle.

The arrest was made following intelligence reports about the movement of narcotics in the area.

The seizure has raised concerns about the growing involvement of young students in illegal drug trafficking networks.

Local residents expressed alarm over the incident, alleging that organized drug mafias are deliberately targeting and luring college students into the trade. They demanded that authorities intensify investigations to identify and take strict action against the masterminds behind such rackets.

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The arrest highlights the increasing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing narcotics trafficking in the region.

The Excise Department has initiated further inquiry into the case, and Raita is expected to face charges under relevant sections of the law. Officials assured that efforts are underway to dismantle the networks responsible for pushing students into illegal activities.