Raipur police seize Rs 27.5 lakh worth of marijuana, three arrested, including two traffickers from UP

RAIPUR: In a major bust, Raipur police successfully apprehended three suspects, including two inter-state traffickers hailing from Uttar Pradesh, leading to the seizure of more than two quintals of marijuana worth about Rs 27,50,000.

The incident unfolded in the Fafadih Chowk area of the state capital, falling under the jurisdiction of the Ganj police station. The suspects were caught red-handed while transporting marijuana in a vehicle. Both traffickers, originally from Uttar Pradesh, were attempting to conceal the contraband inside cartons among helmets placed in the back of the vehicle.

Investigations revealed that the traffickers were transporting the marijuana from Koraput, Odisha, to Uttar Pradesh. A total of two quintals and 15 kilograms of marijuana were confiscated from the accused. Additionally, the vehicle with registration number CG/04/NL/2559 and 88 pieces of helmets used in the trafficking operation were seized.

The estimated value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs 27,50,000. The accused are now facing charges under Section 20(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, as per the case registered at the Ganj police station.

Senior Police Superintendent Prashant Agrawal directed a concerted effort to curb the narcotics trade and instructed all police officials, station in-charges, and the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit to intensify their actions. Acting on this directive, a joint team was formed to gather information about individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.

The operation took place on January 15, 2024, following information received by the Narcotics Cell regarding individuals transporting marijuana from the Telghani Naka towards the city. Senior police officers, including Lakhna Patle, Additional Police Superintendent of Crimes Pitambar Singh Patel, City Police Superintendent Yogesh Sahu, and Deputy Police Superintendent of Crimes Dinesh Sinha, oversaw the operation.

The joint team, consisting of the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit and the Ganj police station, successfully intercepted the suspects near the Fafradih Chowk, leading to the arrest of Monish Qureshi, 24 (Pichokada, Bagpath district of UP), Sahil Khan, 20 (Badoud police station area of UP), and Bhojram Sahu alias Bholu, 23, (Amleshwar, Durg district of Chhattisgarh). The seized contraband, along with the apprehended individuals, were handed over to the Ganj police station for further legal proceedings.

SHO Ashish Yadav, Sub-Inspector Mukesh Sori from the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit, and other key members played a pivotal role in executing the operation.

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