In a major crackdown on inter-State drug trafficking network, five persons have been arrested on Monday at M. Koduru junction in Anakapalli district while smuggling 43 litres of hashish oil worth ₹5.5 crore, the Anakapalli district police said, adding that another person from Kerala is yet to be nabbed.
The accused, identified as K. Rajeev Kumar, 32, of Palakkad district, Kerala; K. Sarat, 26, of Malkangiri district, Odisha; D. Palasi, 28, of Paduva in Odisha; K. Vineesh, 28, of Palakkad district; and K. Kamulu, 19, of Malkangiri district, were caught when they were transporting the consignment from Malkangiri district in Odisha to Palakkad in Kerala through the Paderu ghat road and Anakapalli.
Addressing a press conference at the SP office, Superintendent of Police, Tuhin Sinha said that based on credible information, V. Madugula police team intercepted a passenger auto and a motorcycle at M. Koduru junction. Upon thorough inspection of the vehicles, the police recovered 43 packets of hashish oil, each containing about one litre.
Mr. Sinha said that the gang procured the hashish oil from Chitrakonda limits in Malkangiri district and planned to transport it to Palakkad in Kerala.
The SP said that Rajeev Kumar was allegedly involved in transporting the consignment and had previously been arrested in an NDPS case registered at Golugonda police station in 2021. Vineesh was also allegedly involved in a ganja case previously registered in Tamil Nadu in 2023.
Another accused, Arun Kumar of Palakkad, has been identified as the alleged organiser of the transportation arrangements. Police said that Arun Kumar arranged the transportation in Odisha, provided cash to the other accused and fled to Kerala before the consignment was intercepted. A search is on to arrest him.
Meanwhile, the SP appreciated V. Madugula Sub Inspector Narayana Rao for the seizure.
According to the police, 72 cases relating to illegal transportation of ganja and other narcotic substances have been registered in Anakapalli district this year till Sunday. As many as 199 accused have been arrested and 80 vehicles seized. The police have seized 2,856.573 kg of ganja and 26.06 kg of hashish oil in these cases.
Police also said action had been initiated against the financial networks of drug traffickers. Orders have been issued for the seizure of assets worth ₹1.11 crore belonging to 22 persons identified in NDPS cases. Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS), 42 persons were identified and 13 detention orders were executed.
Mr. Sinha said the police would continue their crackdown on drug trafficking and would take stringent action against those involved in the illegal trade, including invoking the PD Act wherever applicable.
Published – September 28, 2026 07:55 pm IST
