In a significant blow to illegal drug operations, Vizianagaram District Police arrested two individuals and seized 230 kilograms of ganja near the Manapuram railway gate in Dattirajeru Mandal. The contraband was being transported from Pottangi in Odisha to Visakhapatnam in two cars.
SP Vakul Jindal confirmed that acting on a credible tip-off, teams from Pedda Manapuram and Eagle Police conducted a surprise vehicle check. Upon seeing the police, five suspects attempted to flee, abandoning their vehicles. Police chased and nabbed Ghasiram Hantal, a resident of Jangarada village, and Karan Khilo, from Jhaliaguda village, both in Odisha’s Koraput district.
During interrogation, the two revealed the names of their three associates who fled the scene — Suresh Adakabiya (believed to be the prime operative), Khanilati, and Junnesh. A manhunt is underway to apprehend the absconding trio.
The police recovered:
44 ganja packets weighing 230 kg
Two vehicles
Three mobile phones
Rs 700 cash
The ganja was loaded in Pottangi and was destined for Visakhapatnam, police said. Ghasiram Hantal is also reportedly involved in seven two-wheeler theft cases, while Karan Khilo arranged the Maruti 800 (OR 19B 4554) used in the smuggling.
SP Jindal praised the swift and coordinated effort by the team, including:
Bobbili DSP G Bhavyareddy
CI GAV Ramana
SI R Jayanti
Constables K Appanna, K Shankar
HG K Appalaswamy
They were awarded certificates of appreciation for their exemplary work.
