Bhubaneswar, Jul 11: The Odisha Crime Branch's Special Task Force (STF) has arrested an alleged kingpin of an interstate ganja trafficking network from Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, exposing a unique method allegedly used by the syndicate to identify buyers and suppliers.

The accused, Ratan Mondal, had been absconding since January 2025. He was apprehended after a 25-day operation conducted by the STF in West Bengal, officials said on Friday.

According to the STF, Mondal is suspected to be a key receiver in a well-organised network that sourced ganja from Odisha's Kandhamal, Boudh, and Sonepur districts before transporting it to different states.

During the investigation, STF officials recovered a half-torn currency note, which investigators believe served as a secret identification code during drug transactions. As per the alleged modus operandi, one half of the note was retained by the supplier while the other half was kept by the receiver. The consignment was handed over only after both halves matched, ensuring the identity of the parties involved.

Investigators suspect Mondal played a crucial role in coordinating the transportation and delivery of ganja through the interstate trafficking network.

STF officials said Mondal's alleged involvement has surfaced in multiple ganja smuggling cases registered by the agency. STF DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh said the investigation is continuing to identify other members of the syndicate, trace the network's interstate links, and uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.