In a major anti-narcotics operation, police in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, seized 245 kilograms of cannabis valued at approximately Rs 1.22 crore. The consignment was being transported in a car and was intercepted following a tip-off by the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit (ACCU). The operation took place within the jurisdiction of Ratanpur police station along a national highway route.

Police Act on Specific Intelligence

According to officials, ACCU in-charge Nimitesh Singh received credible intelligence about drug traffickers moving a large consignment from Odisha toward Madhya Pradesh. The smugglers were reportedly using a Maruti Ertiga vehicle and were traveling via the Katghora–Bilaspur–Marwahi route. Based on this information, police teams set up a blockade near Bhedi Muda Navapara Chowk.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest

When the suspect vehicle approached the checkpoint, the driver attempted to evade police by making a sudden U-turn. This triggered a high-speed chase, with two police teams pursuing the car in separate vehicles. During the chase, the driver drove on the wrong side of the road in an attempt to escape. One of the pursuing officers struck the driver’s side with a baton, causing the vehicle to lose balance and eventually come to a halt.

One Smuggler Nabbed, Another Escapes

As the vehicle stopped, one suspect managed to flee the scene, while the other was apprehended on the spot. Upon searching the car, officers discovered multiple packets of cannabis concealed behind black-tinted windows. The total seizure amounted to 245 kilograms of ganja. The police also confiscated the vehicle and other materials, bringing the total value of seized assets to around Rs 1.30 crore.

Case Registered Under NDPS Act

The arrested accused has been identified as Amit Kumar Kevat, a resident of Budhar in Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh. Initially, he attempted to mislead investigators, but later admitted that the consignment was intended for distribution in Madhya Pradesh. A case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway.

Odisha Link and Supply Network Under Probe

Authorities are now probing the broader network behind the operation, including links to Odisha, where the consignment originated. Police suspect the involvement of a larger syndicate and are working to identify the main mastermind behind the smuggling operation.

Second Vehicle Still at Large

Police revealed that the consignment was being transported in two separate vehicles. While one car was intercepted, the second vehicle managed to escape. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and uncover further details about the operation.