The first arrest was made on January 18 by Mohan Nagar police following a tip-off that a man was attempting to sell ganja near an underbridge, in front of a scrap shop. Acting on the information, a team led by Station House Officer Inspector Keshavram Kosale reached the spot and noticed a suspect carrying a blue backpack. The man attempted to flee on seeing the police but was apprehended after a brief chase.

During questioning, the accused was identified as Chaitanya Sabar (28), a resident of Kalahandi district in Odisha. A search of his bag led to the recovery of 3.16 kilograms of ganja packed in three packets. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹1.58 lakh. Police said the accused had brought the narcotics from Odisha and was searching for buyers in Durg. A case was registered against him under Section 20(b) of the NDPS Act.

In a separate operation the same morning, Supela police intercepted two men riding a blue Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle near Nehru Nagar Gym Garden. Police had received information that the duo was transporting ganja from Durg towards the Supela–Bhilai area. A blockade was set up, and the motorcycle was stopped at around 6:10 am.

The riders were identified as Mohammad Ejaz (30) and Faizan Qureshi (35), both residents of Durg. On searching a coffee-coloured backpack, police recovered 4.03 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately ₹2 lakh. The motorcycle and two mobile phones were also seized, taking the total value of seized property in this case to about ₹3.60 lakh.

Police said both accused have a criminal history, with previous cases registered against them. They have been booked under Sections 20(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act for possession and conspiracy.

Senior officers said the coordinated actions highlight intensified efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the Durg–Bhilai region, which is increasingly being used as a transit and distribution point. Further investigation is underway to identify suppliers and links to larger trafficking networks.