Kalimela/Malkangiri, Apr 21: In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, police in Odisha’s Malkangiri district seized 50 kilograms of ganja and arrested five individuals near the Kalimela checkpost on National Highway 326.

The incident occurred about two kilometers from the Kalimela police station, where officers were conducting routine vehicle inspections. According to Kalimela police station officer Prabhudatta, two vehicles - a motorcycle and a scooter - were stopped for checks. Upon inspection, police discovered large quantities of ganja being transported.

The five arrested individuals have been identified as C.H. Yasadasu, D. Praveen Kumar, A. Mahesh Babu, N. Rahul, and P. Manindra Babu, all residents of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. Police confirmed that the accused were attempting to smuggle the narcotics through the region when they were intercepted.

Officials stated that the seizure was made two days earlier, but the information was formally released today. The police registered a case against the accused and produced them in court. The operation was conducted in the presence of Kalimela Tahsildar Ramakrishna Satya Raj Guru, who acted as magistrate during the seizure and arrest.

Law enforcement authorities emphasized that the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to curb narcotics trafficking in the region, which has seen repeated attempts to smuggle ganja across state borders. The seizure highlights the vigilance of police personnel stationed at checkposts along NH-326, a route often exploited by traffickers.

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Police have launched further investigations to trace the supply chain and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling network. Officials assured that strict action will continue against those engaged in illegal narcotics trade.

This latest operation underscores Odisha’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring law and order in sensitive border districts like Malkangiri.