Kataka: Based on reliable information, a joint team of Crime Investigation Bureau and RPF raided the Puri-LTT Express at the Kataka railway station on Tuesday and seized 115.930 kg cannabis worth ₹57,96,500 packed in seven trolley bags and one backpack. In connection with this, five persons have been arrested.

The accused have been identified from the interrogation as Sajid Ali Abdul Shakoor Mariyar, from Thane, Maharashtra; Jitendra Ramesh Thakur, from Mumbai, Maharashtra; Tanveer Yaqub Chougule, from Thane, Maharashtra; Ahamed Raza Siddqui from Mumbai, Maharashtra; and Abhisek Kumar from Patna, Bihar.

During questioning the accused further disclosed they used to travel by flight to Bhubaneswar. However, after collecting the contraband, they generally travelled by Puri–LTT Express in First AC on reserved tickets.

Of the five accused, Mariyar, Thakur and Chougule disclosed they had been involved in transporting ganja for the last 6–7 months, whereas the other two accused – Siddqui and Kumar – stated this was their second trip.

The accused further revealed the contraband was transported to different suburban destinations in Mumbai as per the directions of their mentor. They were paid approximately ₹10,000 for transporting each suitcase.

They also disclosed one person namely Dilip Tripathy alias Mantu of Bhubaneswar was supplying the contraband for disposal at Mumbai through one Sameer.

The search and seizure proceedings were conducted at Kataka Railway Station in presence of ASC/CTC and independent witnesses.

During checking of the records no criminal antecedents were found against the accused.

Official sources said after completion of legal formalities, the five accused, along with the seized contraband, were handed over to GRP/Kataka for further legal action. 

Accordingly, GRP/Kataka registered Case No. 224/2026 dated 30.09.2026 under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act, 1985 against the accused.