140 Kilograms of Ganja Seized in Tamil Nadu, Smuggler Arrested from Andhra Pradesh
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Synopsis
On April 10, a significant drug bust in Tamil Nadu led to the seizure of 140 kg of ganja and the arrest of a key smuggler from Andhra Pradesh. The operation uncovered a complex smuggling route originating from Odisha, highlighting the extensive network involved in drug trafficking.
Key Takeaways
- 140 kg of ganja seized in Tamil Nadu.
- Arrest of Appala Naidu from Andhra Pradesh.
- Ganja sourced from Odisha.
- Smugglers used local women for transport.
- Operation reveals a complex drug trafficking network.
Chennai, April 10 (NationPress) Approximately 140 kilograms of ganja, worth several lakhs of rupees, was confiscated from a remote location in Tamil Nadu's Anakaputhur on Thursday.
This operation resulted in the capture of a notorious drug trafficker from Andhra Pradesh, identified as Appala Naidu (20).
Naidu's accomplice, Rahman (28), along with several other drug dealers, remains at large.
As per police reports, the illegal substance was sourced in bulk from Odisha.
Naidu and Rahman ventured into the forested regions of Odisha, where they acquired the ganja directly from local farmers. After harvesting, the ganja was dried, processed, and packaged into small five-gram sachets, culminating in a total of 140 kilograms.
To avoid detection, the smugglers opted against transporting the ganja via vehicle. Instead, local women carried the packets on their heads through dense forests and cashew plantations. These packets were hidden near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border along various national highways, according to police sources.
Once the ganja reached these hideouts, it was subsequently transported to Tamil Nadu and Kerala using cars.
To ensure safe transport, the smugglers employed two men on motorbikes as escort pilots—one riding ahead and the other following the ganja-laden vehicle, maintaining a buffer zone of approximately one kilometer. Upon entering Tamil Nadu, the initial escorts returned, and Appala Naidu took over escort duties on a motorbike, while Rahman trailed in the car carrying the contraband, as reported by police sources.
The drop-off occurred in a secluded, bushy area in Anakaputhur, where the ganja was unloaded and concealed.
While Rahman escaped in the vehicle, Naidu remained behind to guard the stash and coordinate with local wholesale and retail dealers.
However, acting on a tip-off, the Shankar Nagar Special Task Force executed a swift and coordinated operation. They surrounded the area, apprehended Naidu, and seized the entire consignment.
Authorities also confiscated Naidu's mobile phone, which is currently under examination to trace his network of contacts and potential clients in the suburbs of Chennai.
The police are actively pursuing Rahman and other members of the distribution network.
This operation has garnered significant attention for uncovering a sophisticated and well-organized smuggling route stretching from the forests of Odisha to the outskirts of Chennai, complete with security escorts and logistical planning.
