Crime / Cannabis worth Rs 21.09 lakh from Odisha seized in Gujarat, one Arrested

Valsad, Aug 3: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gujarat’s Valsad Police has seized 42.180 kg of cannabis valued at Rs21.09 lakh, allegedly transported from Odisha to Silvassa. One accused has been arrested and a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, officials said.

Operation Launched

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Valsad Superintendent of Police Yuvrajsinh Jadeja, who directed intensified action against narcotics trafficking. Acting on specific intelligence, a team led by Assistant Head Constable Mohammadsafi Sulemanbhai and Assistant Police Constables Varunkumar Harishchandra and Mahendradan Julubha laid a watch near the old railway crossing road in Vapi.

Arrest and Seizure

The team, supervised by Police Inspector D.D. Parmar and Sub-Inspector S.R. Suslade, intercepted and arrested Sanjay alias Sanjay Marwadi, 26, a resident of Silvassa originally from Rajasthan’s Pali district. He was found in possession of cannabis without valid permits.

Police recovered five bags containing the contraband, a mobile phone worth Rs10,000, and cash of Rs3,300. The total value of seized property is estimated at Rs21.22 lakh.

Case Registered

A case has been registered at Vapi Town Police Station under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(C) and 29 of the NDPS Act. Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the source of the cannabis in Odisha, identify intended recipients in Silvassa, and determine if others were involved in the trafficking network.

Previous Offence

Police records show the accused had a prior NDPS case registered at Bhilad Police Station in 2025 under Sections 8(c), 15(b) and 29. Authorities are examining possible links between the two cases.