Bhubaneswar, June 5: The Kolkata Police has intensified its probe into an interstate ganja smuggling racket operating between Odisha and West Bengal. A two-member team of the Special Task Force (STF) from Kolkata has arrived in Bhubaneswar in search of an alleged drug mafia operative linked to the network.
With the assistance of Khandagiri Police, the STF team is conducting raids and verification exercises to track down the suspect, who is believed to be a key player in the illegal trade.
According to sources, Kolkata Police had seized 125 kg of ganja from a truck (WB-19K-6712) near Kidderpore in January this year. The contraband was allegedly concealed inside a secret chamber built within the vehicle. Two persons arrested in connection with the seizure reportedly confessed during interrogation that the consignment had originated from Odisha.
The accused also provided details about an Odisha-based drug syndicate involved in supplying ganja to West Bengal. Acting on the leads, an STF team had earlier visited Angul district to trace the alleged kingpin but failed to locate him.
Subsequent technical surveillance and mobile phone tracking reportedly revealed the suspect's presence in the Baramunda area of Bhubaneswar. Following the breakthrough, the Kolkata STF team reached the city and launched efforts to apprehend the accused with support from the local police.
