Police in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district have arrested a 21-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman in two separate cases related to illegal drug trafficking. The action was carried out as part of the district police’s ongoing campaign against narcotics.

In the first case, personnel from the Smritinagar Police Outpost under Supela Police Station arrested a 21-year-old man in the Khamharia area with 15 grams of chitta, identified by police as heroin. The accused was allegedly looking for customers to sell the substance.

In the second case, Khursipar police arrested a woman who had been absconding for nearly four months in connection with an alleged ganja-selling case. Both accused were produced before a court and sent to judicial remand.

Police Trap Suspect in Khamharia

According to police, a tip-off was received on August 6 that a person was travelling from Junwani towards Khamharia carrying a prohibited narcotic substance and was looking for potential customers.

Acting on the information, a police team reached the area and surrounded the suspect. During a search, officers allegedly recovered two packets containing a total of 15 grams of chitta/heroin.

Police estimated the value of the seized narcotic substance at around ₹3.40 lakh. A Redmi mobile phone was also recovered from the accused, taking the total estimated value of the seizure to approximately ₹3.70 lakh.

Accused Identified as 21-Year-Old

The accused has been identified as Harsh Dev Singh Vij, 21, a resident of Shantinagar in Bhilai.

Police alleged that he was carrying the narcotic substance with the intention of making illegal financial gains by selling it to customers.

A case has been registered under Section 21(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused was arrested and subsequently produced before the court, which sent him to judicial custody.

Woman Was Absconding Since April

The second action was linked to a case involving alleged illegal ganja sales in the Dewar Basti area under Khursipar Police Station.

Police said they had received information on April 30 that several people, including a woman, were allegedly selling ganja illegally in the area. Following the information, police conducted a raid.

A man identified as Hira Singh, 18, was arrested during the operation. However, his alleged associate, Savita Dewar, managed to escape from the spot.

Police said they had been searching for her since then.

Arrest After Four Months

After continued efforts to trace the accused, police arrested Savita Dewar, 45, a resident of Dewar Basti in Khursipar, Bhilai, on August 7.

According to police, she was questioned after her arrest and allegedly admitted her involvement in the sale of ganja. She was then formally arrested and produced before the court, which sent her to judicial remand.

Police had earlier seized 3.2 kg of allegedly illegal ganja in the case. The estimated value of the seized substance was put at ₹1,69,550.

NDPS Act Cases Registered

The ganja case has been registered under Sections 20(b) and 27A of the NDPS Act, according to police.

The two arrests come amid intensified action against narcotics in Durg district. Police said surveillance and enforcement efforts against the illegal sale and transportation of drugs would continue.

The accused in both cases will face further legal proceedings as per the investigation and court process.

Semaria Police in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district have arrested four persons for allegedly transporting and supplying prohibited narcotic medicines. During the operation, police seized 1,680 banned capsules, 20 bottles of cough syrup suspected to contain narcotic substances, and a scooter allegedly used in the crime.

The total value of the seized contraband and vehicle has been estimated at around ₹1.03 lakh. A case has been registered against the accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and all four have been produced before a local court.

Action Based on Informer Input

According to police, the operation was carried out following specific intelligence that four individuals were travelling on a black scooter bearing registration number MP-17-SA-8292 to deliver prohibited narcotic medicines at different locations.

Acting on the information, the Semaria police team laid a trap near Bhathiya on the Bhamra–Kushwar road. As police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the suspects allegedly tried to flee but were chased and apprehended.

Four Suspects Identified

During questioning, the accused were identified as:

• Raj Singh (21), a resident of Duwari village under Chorhata police station.

• Umesh Singh (34), a resident of Kushwar village under Semaria police station.

• Ankit Singh (27), also from Kushwar village.

• Pawan Rawat (26), a resident of Ward No. 14, Semaria town.

Contraband Recovered During Search

Police said a blue bag carried by the accused contained 210 strips comprising 1,680 prohibited Pywon Spas Plus capsules along with 20 bottles of Onrex cough syrup.

The accused were asked to produce valid documents authorising possession and transportation of the medicines but allegedly failed to provide any legal documentation.

Seizure Worth Over ₹1 Lakh

Police seized the recovered capsules valued at approximately ₹15,588, cough syrup worth around ₹8,000, and the scooter valued at nearly ₹80,000.

The combined value of the seized items has been estimated at about ₹1.03 lakh.

NDPS Case Registered

Following the recovery, police registered an FIR under the provisions of the NDPS Act and formally arrested all four accused.

Authorities said the accused were informed of the legal proceedings, their families were notified about the arrests, and they were subsequently produced before the competent court.

Drive Against Drug Trade to Continue

Semaria Station House Officer Shiva Agrawal said the operation was conducted based on reliable intelligence and resulted in the seizure of prohibited narcotic medicines along with the vehicle used for transportation.

He added that the police will continue intensive action against the illegal sale and trafficking of narcotic substances to curb drug-related crimes in the region.

In a major crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade, Rewa Police raided a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony under the University Police Station limits and seized 930 bottles of banned intoxicating cough syrup along with ₹1.70 lakh in cash. A husband and wife were arrested from the premises, and police have launched an investigation to trace the supply network behind the alleged racket.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off about the illegal storage and sale of prohibited cough syrup from the rented accommodation.

Raid Conducted on Specific Information

According to police, the University Police Station received credible information that a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony was being used for the illegal distribution of narcotic cough syrup.

Acting swiftly, a police team conducted a raid at the location. During the search, officers recovered 930 bottles of prohibited cough syrup, estimated to be worth more than ₹2 lakh in the illegal market.

Cash Suspected to Be Drug Proceeds

Apart from the banned cough syrup, police also recovered ₹1.70 lakh in cash from the house.

Investigators suspect the money was generated through the alleged illegal sale of narcotic substances. Other materials found at the premises have also been seized for further examination as part of the investigation.

Husband and Wife Taken into Custody

Police arrested Vinay Deepankar and his wife Palak Pandey from the spot during the raid.

A case has been registered against both accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Actand other relevant legal provisions. They are currently being questioned regarding the source of the contraband and the distribution network.

Police Probe Supply Chain

Investigators are now working to identify where the banned cough syrup was sourced from and the areas where it was allegedly supplied.

Police are also trying to determine whether other individuals are linked to the network. Officials said further arrests could be made based on information gathered during interrogation.

CSP Confirms Action

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rajeev Pathak said the raid was conducted on the basis of specific intelligence received by the University Police Station.

He confirmed the recovery of a large quantity of prohibited cough syrup and ₹1.70 lakh in cash, adding that legal proceedings have been initiated against both accused.

The officer said police are focusing on identifying the entire supply chain and all individuals involved in the alleged illegal trade.

Drive Against Drug Trade to Continue

Police said the district-wide campaign against narcotics trafficking and illegal sale of intoxicating substances will continue with strict enforcement.

Authorities appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities related to illegal drugs so that timely action can be taken against offenders.

The operation was carried out under the Nagarnaar police station limits following a tip-off about two suspicious men waiting near the Dhanpunji Forest Check Post with travel bags. Police officials said the seized contraband is valued at approximately ₹5.84 lakh in the illegal market.

According to police, information was received on July 21 that two individuals carrying suspicious luggage were waiting for a bus near the forest check post. Acting on the input, a police team reached the location, surrounded the suspects and detained them for questioning.

The accused were identified as Lalit Kushulia and Biranchi Gorodia, both residents of Rayagada district in neighbouring Odisha.

During a search of their bags, police recovered 10 packets containing suspected ganja. The seized material weighed 11.673 kilograms after being measured on the spot.

Investigators said the accused were allegedly transporting the consignment from Odisha and planned to deliver it in Raipur before they were intercepted.

Police have registered a case under Section 20(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Both accused were arrested and later produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Officials said the seized narcotics have been sent for further legal procedures, while investigators are attempting to identify the source of the consignment and determine whether the accused were acting independently or were part of a larger interstate drug trafficking network.

The investigation is also expected to focus on the intended recipients of the consignment in Chhattisgarh and any possible links to organised narcotics supply chains operating across state borders.

Bastar has emerged as a sensitive transit corridor for narcotics smuggled from neighbouring states, particularly Odisha. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance along interstate routes, forest check posts and transport corridors to curb the movement of illegal drugs.

Police officials noted that intelligence-based operations have resulted in several recent seizures, with authorities maintaining close coordination between district police units and neighbouring states to disrupt trafficking networks.

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sumit Kumar said strict action would continue against those involved in the illegal transportation and sale of narcotic substances. He added that police are maintaining constant vigilance over routes commonly used by smugglers and appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking.

The latest seizure is part of the ongoing crackdown on narcotics in the Bastar region, where authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts to prevent illegal substances from entering major urban centres across Chhattisgarh.

The accused have been identified as Supawadee Sukuliyat and Suthuwana Kut, both Thai nationals. According to police, the women entered India on tourist visas and arrived in Kolkata on a flight from Bangkok. Acting on specific intelligence, STF officers conducted a raid at a hotel in the city's Bhawanipur area on Tuesday morning, where the two women had allegedly checked in before meeting local contacts.

20 Grams of MDMA Recovered

During the operation, STF personnel recovered 20 grams of MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive substance commonly known as "Molly" in crystal form and "Ecstasy" in tablet form. Police estimated the seized narcotics to have an illegal market value of more than ₹1 lakh.

The recovered substance has been seized, and a case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused have been taken into custody for further questioning.

Probe into International Drug Trafficking Network

According to STF sources, investigators had been monitoring intelligence inputs for several days regarding a suspected international drug trafficking route operating between Bangkok and Kolkata.

Officials believe the seized consignment may have been intended for distribution through local operatives, with a possible connection to illegal rave party networks in the city. The investigation is also focusing on identifying individuals who were expected to receive and distribute the drugs after delivery.

Police are examining whether the arrests are linked to a broader cross-border narcotics syndicate operating across Southeast Asia and eastern India.

Investigators Tracking Local Links

Preliminary findings suggest that international traffickers may rely on intermediaries and encrypted communication platforms to establish contacts with local distributors. According to investigators, Kolkata-based operatives allegedly coordinate the storage and circulation of synthetic drugs after they enter the country.

Officials are now working to identify the intended recipients of the seized MDMA and determine whether previous consignments may have reached the city through similar methods.

Alleged Smuggling Techniques Under Investigation

During initial interrogation, the two accused reportedly claimed they had received training in methods designed to conceal narcotics while travelling internationally.

Investigators suspect the drugs were hidden in a manner that enabled them to evade baggage screening procedures at both Bangkok and Kolkata airports. Authorities are examining how the alleged concealment escaped routine security checks and whether any additional individuals assisted in the operation.

Further Investigation Underway

The STF is continuing its investigation to trace the supply chain, identify local associates, and determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking network. Officials have indicated that additional arrests may follow as the probe progresses.

Authorities are also coordinating with central agencies and other law enforcement units to verify whether the case is connected to larger international drug smuggling operations targeting Indian metropolitan cities.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strong warning to police officers over procedural lapses during arrests, observing that such negligence can allow accused persons to secure relief on technical grounds. In a significant order, the Gwalior Bench directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to issue a fresh circular within one month to all station house officers and investigating officers, reiterating mandatory legal procedures during arrests.

The Division Bench remarked that while some police personnel wear the uniform of law enforcement, their conduct appears to benefit criminals when mandatory legal procedures are ignored.

Court Stresses Compliance with Arrest Procedures

The bench observed that every person taken into custody must be provided with the written grounds of arrest, as required under law and judicial guidelines. It noted that failure to furnish these reasons could result in courts questioning the legality of an arrest and granting relief to accused persons on procedural grounds.

The court further observed that if investigating officers fail to provide written grounds of arrest, such conduct may be viewed as a deliberate act that benefits the accused rather than a mere procedural lapse.

Fresh Circular Ordered for Police Officials

Expressing concern over repeated violations despite existing instructions, the High Court directed the DGP to circulate fresh directions to all police stations and investigating officers across the state within a month.

The court said the circular should clearly instruct officers to strictly comply with legal requirements while making arrests to ensure that criminal cases are not weakened because of avoidable procedural errors.

Concern Over Non-Compliance Despite Earlier Instructions

During the hearing, the bench also expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of an earlier circular reportedly issued by the Police Headquarters (PHQ), Bhopal, on February 13, 2026, following directions of the Supreme Court.

According to the court, despite those instructions, investigating officers at the field level continue to arrest accused persons without adequately communicating the written grounds of arrest, exposing criminal prosecutions to legal challenges.

The bench observed that such lapses undermine the criminal justice system and may enable offenders to obtain relief due to technical deficiencies in police procedure.

Case Related to NDPS Arrest

The observations came while the court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Dharmendra Lodhi, who challenged the arrest of his brother in an NDPS case registered at Basai Police Station in Datia district.

The petitioner argued that the arrest was illegal because the police had allegedly failed to provide written grounds for taking the accused into custody.

However, after examining the case records, the Division Bench found that the police had served a written notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act and recovered approximately 86.850 kilograms of cannabis from the accused.

Holding that the legal requirements applicable in the case had been complied with, the court dismissed the petition and refused to interfere with the arrest.

Strong Message to Law Enforcement

While rejecting the plea, the High Court used the opportunity to underline the importance of strict adherence to procedural safeguards during arrests.

The bench emphasised that the role of the police is to ensure effective prosecution of offenders while protecting the rights guaranteed under law. It cautioned that procedural negligence not only weakens investigations but also risks allowing accused persons to secure legal relief that could otherwise have been avoided through proper compliance.

The court's directions are expected to reinforce adherence to arrest procedures across Madhya Pradesh and strengthen accountability within the police force.

A woman identified as the key supplier in a ganja trafficking case was arrested from Odisha after Raigarh police traced the network back to her through sustained interrogation of three smugglers caught in April. The arrest, made under Operation Aaghat, signals that the Chhattisgarh police are now going after the full supply chain — not just the foot soldiers.

The case goes back to April 22, when a tip-off alerted Kharsiya police that three men were moving a large consignment of ganja from Odisha by train. Officers deployed across likely routes spotted three suspicious youths carrying oversized bags near Kharsiya Railway Colony and detained them before they could move further.

The three were identified as Dinesh Kumar Behra (22), Shiva Behra (21), and Devi Prasad Kanhar (19), all residents of Kandhamal district in Odisha. During questioning, the trio admitted they had boarded a train with the contraband but stepped off at Kharsiya station after getting word that railway police were conducting checks ahead. A search of their bags yielded 52 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 25.62 lakh.

What the interrogation unlocked, however, was more significant than the seizure itself.

Each of the three arrested men, questioned separately, named the same source — a woman called Subhadra Digal, alias Mami Malik, aged 41, living near Sambalpur Railway Station in Odisha. According to the accused, she had supplied the ganja and assigned them the task of delivering it to Bina in Madhya Pradesh. A technical check of the mobile number provided by the accused confirmed it was registered in Subhadra's name, giving police the lead they needed.

Raigarh police subsequently travelled to Odisha and, working with local police, raided Gochchapada police station area in Kandhamal district. Subhadra was taken into custody and during questioning admitted to supplying the consignment and arranging for its transport to MP. Her mobile phone, used in the operation, was also seized as evidence.

She was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

SSP Shashimohan Singh said the case is part of Operation Aaghat, an ongoing drive targeting the full drug trafficking chain in the district. The effort, he said, is deliberately moving beyond arresting couriers — the focus now is on identifying suppliers, financiers, and anyone else profiting from the network.

The Odisha-to-MP route via Chhattisgarh has been a concern for enforcement agencies for some time, with tribal districts in Odisha known as source areas for ganja that gets routed into central India.

Raipur Police have arrested two interstate marijuana smugglers from Rajasthan during a crackdown against narcotics trafficking in the city. The accused were allegedly searching for customers near the Bhathagaon bus stand area when police surrounded and arrested them.

Officials recovered 8.122 kilograms of ganja from their possession, with an estimated market value of nearly ₹4 lakh. The operation was carried out under an anti-drug campaign being conducted by the Raipur Police to curb the spread of narcotics and illegal substances in the capital city. The accused have been identified as Dilsher Khan (39) and Kasim Ali (27), both residents of Tonk district in Rajasthan. A case has been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Tikrapara Police Station.

Police Received Tip-Off About Suspicious Activity

According to police officials, the incident took place on May 21, 2026. Tikrapara police received information from an informer that two suspicious men were roaming near the Sulabh toilet complex at Bhathagaon bus stand and were attempting to sell narcotic substances.

Acting swiftly on the information, a police team reached the spot and began surveillance. After confirming the suspects’ movements and activities, officers surrounded the area and detained both individuals. During the search operation, police recovered multiple packets containing a total of 8.122 kilograms of ganja. The seized narcotics were packed separately, indicating that the accused were allegedly planning to distribute the drugs to multiple buyers.

Interstate Drug Network Under Scanner

During interrogation, the accused revealed their identities as residents of Purani Tonk area in Rajasthan’s Tonk district. Police suspect the two men were part of a larger interstate drug supply network operating across several states.

Investigators are now trying to determine the source of the narcotics and identify other individuals linked to the smuggling operation. Officials are also examining whether the accused had previously supplied drugs in Chhattisgarh or nearby regions. Police sources believe the accused intentionally targeted crowded transport hubs like bus stands to find customers and distribute narcotics discreetly. Bhathagaon bus stand remains one of the busiest public transit points in Raipur, making it vulnerable to illegal activities.

Crackdown Against Drug Trafficking Intensifies

Raipur Police stated that the arrests are part of an ongoing campaign against narcotics and illegal drug trade in the city. Authorities have been conducting continuous surveillance and intelligence-based operations to identify suppliers, peddlers, and interstate smugglers.

Officials said the campaign focuses especially on preventing drugs from entering educational institutions, public areas, and densely populated neighborhoods. Police officers have warned that strict action will continue against individuals involved in drug trafficking and substance abuse-related crimes. Authorities also appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities related to narcotics immediately.

Operation Conducted Under Senior Officers’ Supervision

Police officials confirmed that the operation was carried out under the direction of DCP West Sandeep Kumar Patel and the guidance of Additional DCP Rahul Dev Sharma. The action was monitored by ACP Tikrapara Navneet Patil, while the Tikrapara police team executed the raid and arrest operation successfully. Senior officers praised the team for acting quickly on the intelligence input and preventing the illegal distribution of narcotics in the city.

Growing Concern Over Drug Abuse

The latest arrest has once again highlighted growing concerns regarding the spread of narcotics in urban areas. Law enforcement agencies across Chhattisgarh have intensified efforts to curb drug-related crimes amid increasing reports of interstate trafficking networks.

Experts believe transportation hubs, highways, and bus terminals are often used by traffickers to move illegal substances across states. Police are now strengthening monitoring systems at key entry and exit points in Raipur. Authorities stated that further investigation is underway and more arrests could follow as police continue tracing the network connected to the accused.

Raipur Police Bust Nigeria-Linked Drug Racket, 2 Held in Delhi

Nigeria-linked drug racket exposed as cocaine was shipped to Raipur in BP machine boxes; two accused, including a Nigerian national, arrested

A cross-border drug trafficking network with links to Nigeria has been unearthed by the Raipur Police, with two key accused arrested from Delhi earlier this week. Investigators say the racket involved smuggling cocaine concealed inside blood pressure (BP) machine boxes and delivering it through courier channels to avoid detection.

The arrests, made on May 2, mark a significant development in an ongoing crackdown on synthetic drugs supply chains extending into Chhattisgarh.

Cocaine hidden in devices

According to officials, the accused used seemingly innocuous medical equipment packaging to transport cocaine. The contraband was hidden inside BP machine boxes, a tactic that helped the parcels pass routine scrutiny during transit.

Initial findings suggest the consignments were dispatched from Delhi to Raipur and possibly other cities using courier services. “The packaging was designed to avoid suspicion,” an official familiar with the investigation said.

Breakthrough from March arrest

The case traces back to March 19, when police arrested a local suspect near a private hospital in Raipur’s Devendra Nagar area. He was found carrying 4.55 grams of cocaine, valued at over ₹2.27 lakh.

Subsequent searches led to the seizure of a vehicle and a mobile phone, with the total recovery in that case pegged at more than ₹20 lakh. During questioning, the accused reportedly revealed links to a wider supply chain.

Technical analysis and interrogation pointed towards an organised network operating beyond state boundaries.

Delhi operation and arrests

Acting on these leads, a Raipur police team travelled to Delhi and conducted a raid in Tilak Nagar. Two accused — identified as Sunny Sharma and Tochukwu Afame, also known as Prince Charles — were taken into custody.

Afame, a Nigerian national, is believed to have direct links with handlers operating from Nigeria. Police records indicate he had previously been jailed in Delhi in 2024–25 for visa violations.

Investigators say both accused admitted to being part of an international drug syndicate during questioning.

Network run from abroad

Sources said the operation was being coordinated by an personidentified as “Chichi”, believed to be based in Nigeria. He allegedly managed logistics and supply routes, while local operatives in India handled payments and distribution.

Sunny Sharma’s role, according to officials, involved facilitating financial transactions. He allegedly allowed his bank accounts to be used for routing drug money in exchange for commission.

Authorities are now tracking these financial trails to identify other members of the network.

Seizures and financial trail

During the Delhi operation, police seized cash amounting to ₹9.70 lakh, along with five iPhones, three cheque books, and other items. The total value of the recovered material is estimated at around ₹11 lakh.

Officials believe the network has handled transactions worth over ₹2 crore in the past six months. These figures are based on preliminary scrutiny of bank accounts linked to the accused.

Wider crackdown underway

The Anti Crime and Cyber Unit of Raipur Police has intensified its operations against narcotics this year. In 2026 alone, 93 accused have been arrested in 36 cases registered under the NDPS Act.

Police say the latest thing has dealt a major blow to an “end-to-end” cocaine supply chain. However, they also acknowledge that further arrests may follow as the investigation expands.

Case registered, probe continues

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act at Devendra Nagar police station. Officials said efforts are on to identify additional links in other states and trace the full extent of the network.

The Nigeria-linked drug racket remains under active investigation, with agencies focusing on courier routes, digital communications, and financial transactions tied to the accused.

Bhind Ganja Smuggling Ring Runs Like a Company; B-Team Takes Over After A-Team Bust

Police in Bhind have uncovered the second layer of a well-organised inter-state ganja smuggling network operating on a corporate-style model with clearly defined roles, profit-sharing, and even a dedicated fund for legal aid. In a joint operation by Barohi and Dehat police stations, two members of the so-called B-Team were arrested late on Tuesday with 138 kg of ganja valued at around ₹28 lakh.

The arrests have once again highlighted how the gang quickly adapted after its first team was dismantled in December last year. Officials say the network treated smuggling like a business enterprise, complete with managers, financiers, storekeepers, and suppliers.

A-Team Dismantled in December Raid

The story began in December when Barohi police, led by Station House Officer Atul Bhadauria, intercepted a suspicious Hyundai car near Madanpura Dam. The driver tried to flee through a kutcha road but was chased and caught. A search yielded 22.2 kg of ganja.

Those arrested included Rajendra Baghel of BTI Road, Bhind, Pankaj Shukla of Barohi, and Rajkumar Sharma from Surpura. Pankaj Shukla was believed to be running the operation using a structured “company model”. Another key member, Majnu alias Shivam Sharma from Aryanagar, managed to escape initially but was later arrested after a few months.

B-Team Activated to Keep Business Running

With the main operatives behind bars, Majnu, who had been on the run, reportedly activated the backup B-Team to ensure the trade did not stop. Sources familiar with the investigation said he brought in new people and assigned specific responsibilities to minimise risk and maintain continuity.

Anup Sharma alias Anna was roped in as the financier. According to preliminary questioning, the financier was to get nearly 50 percent of the profits and was also responsible for arranging bail if any member was caught. A separate budget was maintained from each consignment for legal expenses, including efforts to secure bail for those already in jail.

Rishabh Chauhan was tasked with arranging vehicles, while others handled storage and new supplier contacts. The gang shifted to greater caution this time, using luxury cars in a convoy system and code words such as “maal” or “jadi-buti” during communication.

New Hideout and Sophisticated Tactics

Investigators revealed that the B-Team set up a fresh storage point in Kumhroua area. Abhishek Tiwari of Aryanagar was given charge of the “godown”. He allegedly rented a relative’s house for ₹10,000 per month and, with help from Anshul Bouhre, used it to store the contraband.

The gang sourced ganja from Odisha, where it was procured at around ₹5,000 per kg. It was then sold to agents in Bhind and nearby areas at up to ₹20,000 per kg, reaching ₹25,000 in retail. Police said suppliers from Odisha sometimes ensured safe delivery up to the Chhattisgarh border.

To avoid detection on the road, the gang used a “follow car” system. One vehicle with 3-4 members would travel 2-3 km ahead to scout for police presence and relay information to the carrier vehicle behind it.

Latest Seizure and Ongoing Hunt

In the latest action, police arrested Abhishek Tiwari and Anshul Bouhre. The 138 kg ganja recovered is believed to be part of a larger 200 kg consignment, of which around 40 kg had already been sold. Interrogation has provided fresh leads on the wider network.

Barohi SHO Atul Bhadauria confirmed that the arrested duo belongs to the B-Team of the same gang busted earlier. “Their questioning has opened several links of the network. We have identified four members of the B-Team so far,” he said.

Those still absconding include financier Anup Sharma alias Anna, Mangu, and Rishabh Chauhan. Police teams are actively searching for them.

Impact on Local Drug Trade

This structured operation allowed the gang to run the illegal trade with minimal disruption even after major arrests. By dividing roles and creating contingency plans, including financial provisions for legal battles, the network tried to function like any legitimate business with risk management.

Local authorities noted that such organised models make enforcement challenging as new layers quickly replace arrested members. The seizures, however, have dealt a significant blow to the supply chain in the region.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the money trail, more hideouts, and upstream suppliers in Odisha. Cases under the NDPS Act have been registered, and efforts are on to dismantle the remaining links of both A and B teams.

The development comes at a time when authorities in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states continue to step up vigil against the inflow of ganja from eastern regions.

Operation Nishchay Nets 46 Wanted Criminals Across Raipur Range

Chhattisgarh Police Deploy 95 Teams in Five Districts, Seize Drugs, Liquor, and Weapons in Sweeping Two-Day Crackdown

In one of the most coordinated law enforcement drives in recent months, the Raipur Range Police executed a sweeping two-day crackdown under Operation Nishchay, targeting criminal networks across five districts of Chhattisgarh. The joint operation, conducted on April 4 and 5, mobilised 95 teams simultaneously across Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, and Raipur Rural districts.

Scale of the Operation

A total of 384 raids, searches, and checkpost operations were carried out over the 48-hour window. The sheer scale of the deployment signals the Raipur Range's intent to dismantle entrenched criminal activity in both urban fringes and rural belts. According to police officials, the operation was planned with prior intelligence inputs and coordinated at the range headquarters level.

Liquor and Drugs Seized

The drive yielded significant recoveries on the narcotics and liquor front. Under the Excise Act, 126 cases were registered and an equal number of accused were taken into custody. Seized liquor stocks amounted to 802.436 litres of country and foreign liquor, along with 597 quarter bottles.

On the narcotics front, 22 NDPS Act cases were filed, with police recovering 21.945 kilograms of contraband substances and 60 tablets suspected to be psychotropic drugs. Ganja formed a bulk of the seized narcotic material, as per reports from district units.

Weapons Recovered, Warrants Served

Six cases were registered under the Arms Act, with police seizing two pistols during the course of the operation. The recovery of firearms from civilians in rural districts has been flagged as a priority concern in the range's anti-crime strategy.

Parallel to the seizures, a dedicated warrant execution drive was run alongside the raids. Teams served a combined 46 warrants — comprising 31 arrest warrants, 14 permanent warrants, and 1 bailable warrant — leading to the apprehension of 46 wanted individuals who had been evading the law.

District-Wise Breakdown

Each district contributed significantly to the overall tally:

• Balodabazar-Bhatapara — 13 NDPS cases filed; 5.6 kg of narcotics seized

• Gariaband — 119 raids conducted; 158 litres of liquor recovered

• Dhamtari — 150 locations covered; 3.9 kg of contraband seized

• Mahasamund — 10.5 kg of drugs and 357 litres of liquor recovered

• Raipur Rural — 1.8 kg of ganja and 597 quarter bottles seized

Additionally, 174 actions were taken under various preventive and prohibitory sections.

Gambling Rackets Busted

Two cases were also registered under the Gambling Act, with seven accused arrested and cash amounting to ₹6,230 seized from illegal betting and gambling dens. Four separate criminal cases were also pursued by respective district units as part of the broader operation.

Official Statement

Police officials confirmed that Operation Nishchay is not a one-time exercise. "The drive against anti-social elements, smugglers, and absconders will continue with equal intensity," a senior officer said, adding that maintaining law and order across the Raipur Range remains the department's foremost priority.

What Comes Next

Authorities indicated that further crackdowns are planned based on leads generated during this operation. With dozens of wanted persons now in custody and substantial contraband off the streets, investigators are expected to pursue leads that could unravel larger supply chains behind drug trafficking in the region. The operation is being seen as a template for future range-level coordinated drives across Chhattisgarh.

Raipur Police Bust Inter-State Cannabis Racket, Seize 22 kg Ganja Worth ₹11 Lakh

Seven arrested including two women and a minor; gang was smuggling cannabis from Odisha to Madhya Pradesh via Chhattisgarh capital

Gang Caught Red-Handed

Raipur police dismantled an inter-state drug smuggling network on Wednesday after arresting seven individuals — including two women and a minor — found carrying over 22 kilograms of cannabis near Telghani Naka in the Ganj police station area of the state capital.

The operation, carried out on the evening of April 2, follows a tip-off received by local police about a group loitering near the naka with bags suspected to contain contraband.

Tip-Off Led to Quick Action

According to police officials, a confidential informant alerted the Ganj police station that several individuals were standing near Telghani Naka with loaded bags, apparently waiting to move to another location.

A police team was immediately deployed to cordon off the area. Upon conducting a search, officers recovered ganja from the personal bags of all seven individuals on the spot.

Accused Named, Odisha Links Confirmed

The arrested accused have been identified as Shantanu Malik, Romeo Malik, Juliet Malik, Rahul Malik, Rashmita Digal, and Deepa Digal — all residents of Odisha — along with one juvenile whose identity has not been disclosed given their age.

Sources indicated that the group had procured the cannabis from Odisha and was in the process of transporting it to Madhya Pradesh when they were intercepted in Raipur.

Over ₹11 Lakh in Contraband Seized

Police seized a total of 22.450 kilograms of ganja from the accused, with the street value of the seized consignment estimated at approximately ₹11.22 lakh.

The recovery was made from individual bags carried by each member of the group, suggesting a deliberate distribution of the contraband to avoid detection at checkpoints.

NDPS Act Invoked

Cases have been registered against all seven accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Ganj police station. All arrested individuals are currently in police custody and are being questioned to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.

As per reports, investigators are working to identify other members connected to this supply chain — both at the source end in Odisha and the distribution end in Madhya Pradesh.

Officials Vow Continued Crackdown

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Cyber), Smritik Rajnala, confirmed that the crackdown on drug trafficking operations will continue without pause.

"Action against those running narcotics trade will remain relentless," the DCP stated, adding that the identities of other associates linked to this gang are being established and arrests are expected soon.

What Comes Next

This latest bust is part of a sustained anti-narcotics drive by Raipur police targeting inter-state drug corridors passing through Chhattisgarh. The state, positioned between Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, has increasingly been flagged as a transit route for cannabis smuggling networks.

Officials are expected to seek police remand of the accused to trace the supplier network back to its origin in Odisha. Further arrests in connection with this case remain likely as interrogation continues, according to sources close to the investigation. The case has been forwarded for judicial proceedings under the NDPS Act.