Hyderabad, 19 June
EAGLE force busts drug smuggling bid, seizes 500 kg ganja
In a significant blow to interstate narcotics trafficking, the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force seized approximately 500 kilograms of ganja during a high-risk operation in Odisha. Officials said the contraband was suspected to be destined for Telangana.
The operation highlights the Telangana Police’s continued efforts to crack down on drug networks and prevent the illegal transportation of narcotics into the state.
According to officials, the EAGLE Force has been closely monitoring source regions known for supplying ganja to Telangana. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a special patrolling team led by Sub-Inspector K. Ravi Prasad launched an operation during the intervening night of June 17 and 18.
High-Speed Chase Through Difficult Terrain
Police said the team identified a Bolero vehicle suspected of transporting ganja from Balimela towards Jeypore in Odisha. After spotting the vehicle, officers initiated a pursuit that continued for nearly 80 kilometres through forest routes and challenging terrain.
Following a daring chase, the vehicle was intercepted in a dense forest area. However, the driver managed to escape by taking advantage of the darkness, hilly landscape, and poor visibility in the region.
Officials described the operation as highly risky due to the difficult terrain and the possibility of confrontation with drug traffickers.
500 Kg of Ganja Recovered; EAGLE force busts drug smuggling bid
During a search of the intercepted vehicle, police recovered 115 packets of ganja weighing approximately 500 kilograms.
The seizure included:
- 90 packets weighing 5 kilograms each
- 25 packets weighing 2 kilograms each
Authorities said the total quantity recovered is estimated at around 500 kilograms, making it one of the major drug seizures linked to trafficking routes supplying Telangana.
Vehicle Owner Identified
Officials revealed that the seized Bolero vehicle is registered in the name of Amir Ali Khan, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Nuasahi, in Odisha’s Nabarangapur district.
Police are investigating the broader network involved in the transportation and distribution of the narcotics. Efforts are also underway to trace the absconding driver and identify other individuals connected to the smuggling operation.
Case Handed Over to Odisha Police
Following the seizure, the contraband and the vehicle were handed over to the Koraput District Police in Odisha during the early hours of Thursday.
A case has been registered under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is underway.
Officials said coordination between Telangana and Odisha law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
Second Major Interstate Operation by EAGLE Force
This marks the second major interstate anti-drug operation conducted by the EAGLE Force in recent years.
In 2024, the force tracked suspected ganja smugglers up to Ranchi and seized another 500 kilograms of the contraband. That case was subsequently handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for further investigation.
The latest success has earned appreciation from the Odisha Police, who commended the EAGLE Force team for its professionalism, determination, and effective coordination during the operation.
Officials reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing narcotics from reaching Telangana through interstate smuggling routes.- EAGLE force busts drug smuggling bid, seizes 500 kg ganja