Bargarh: In a major crackdown on inter-state narcotics trafficking, Bargarh Police busted a drug smuggling racket and seized 1,914 kg of contraband ganja, arresting five persons in connection with the case.

The operation was carried out in connection with Jharbandh Police Station Case No. 65 dated May 6, 2026, registered under Sections 20(b)(ii)(C) and 29 of the NDPS Act along with Section 111(2)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to police, the breakthrough came during a late-night patrolling operation on May 5 by Sub-Inspector Bina Tirkey and staff of Paikmal Police Station in the Jharbandh area. At around 9 pm, a truck bearing registration number UP-65-BT-4318, which was travelling from the Dava side, was intercepted on suspicion.

67 packets of ganja recovered during night patrol operation

During the search of the vehicle, police recovered 67 packets containing a total of 1,914 kg of ganja concealed inside the truck.

During interrogation, accused Shankar Naik reportedly revealed that the consignment was being transported from the Patnagarh side towards Raipur at the direction of Balmiki Naik and Pritam Naik of Putukidunguri village.

Police said the truck was being escorted by two pilot vehicles — a KIA car bearing registration number CG-06-HF-7678, allegedly driven by Narendra Patel, and a Bolero vehicle bearing registration number OD-17-AD-1635, allegedly driven by Balmiki Naik.

Apart from the narcotics, police also seized the truck, both escort vehicles, two mobile phones — an Oppo A15 and a Samsung S23 FE — along with cash amounting to Rs 730.

The five accused arrested in the case have been identified as Kallu (30), a resident of Hamirpur in Uttar Pradesh and driver of the truck; Shankar Naik (28) of Saldihi; Bharatram Patel (54) of Loharsing; Pritam Naik (56) of Putukidunguri; and Bhojraj Patel (38) of Kapati village, all under Jharbandh area in Bargarh district.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the backward and forward linkages of the racket and identify other associates involved in the smuggling network.

Bargarh Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining zero tolerance against drug trafficking and said strict action would continue against those involved in narcotics trade.