STF Cracks Down on Drug and Wildlife Trafficking in Boudh, One Arrested

Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police in Bhubaneswar has arrested an individual, Sanatan Pradhan, and seized narcotic drugs and wildlife parts worth lakhs of rupees in a raid in the Boudh district.

Acting on intelligence input, a joint team of STF and Boudh police raided Pradhan’s residence in Jhadarajing, Puruna Katak police station, on Sunday. During the search, the team recovered 2.88 kg of opium, 3.81 kg of ganja powder, 60 packets of ganja cigarettes, a deer skin, a turtle scale, a boar tusk, and various other incriminating materials.

Pradhan, who previously worked in the Forest department and retired in 2008, could not provide valid documentation for the contraband. He was arrested and booked under the NDPS Act, 1985, and the Wildlife Act.

The STF’s sustained efforts against illegal activities have yielded impressive results in recent years. Since 2020, the STF has seized over 72 kg of brown sugar/heroin, 202 grams of cocaine, more than 116 quintals of ganja, 3.65 kg of opium, and apprehended more than 179 drug dealers and peddlers.

This operation is a testament to the STF’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and the illegal trade in wildlife products, ensuring the safety and security of the community.