Odisha STF Nets Record 143 Kg Ganja Haul in Boudh Drug Bust

Boudh: In a targeted operation based on intelligence input, the Odisha Police’s Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with Boudh Police, conducted a raid early Tuesday morning near Kalakhandi village under Puruna Katak police limits in Boudh district. The focus was on combating the illegal trade of narcotic drugs, resulting in the apprehension of Parikhita Behera, a 30-year-old individual.

Parikhita Behera, identified as the son of Suresh Chandra Behera from Narayanpur police limits in Boudh district, was found in possession of a substantial amount of ganja (marijuana) weighing over 143 kg, along with other incriminating materials. The accused failed to provide any valid authority supporting his possession of the contraband materials, leading to his detention. He will be forwarded to the court of District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Boudh.

The STF has filed a case against the accused under Sections 20 (b)(ii)(c)/29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. This operation is part of a broader initiative to combat the illegal drug trade in the state. The STF’s efforts since 2020 have resulted in the seizure of more than 74 kg of brown sugar/heroin, 202 grams of cocaine, over 117 quintals of ganja/marijuana, 3.630 kg of opium, and the arrest of more than 185 drug dealers/peddlers. Additionally, over 80 quintals of ganja were seized and destroyed by the STF in the previous year alone.