In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, Vizianagaram District Police arrested two men and confiscated 230 kilograms of ganja near the railway gate at Manapuram village in Dattirajeru Mandal. The contraband was being transported from Pottangi in Odisha to Visakhapatnam in two separate vehicles.
District SP Vakul Jindal informed the press that the arrests followed a credible tip-off received by the Pedda Manapuram and Eagle Police. Acting swiftly, the police conducted a surprise vehicle check near the Manapuram railway gate. Upon spotting the officers, five individuals traveling in two cars attempted to flee but abandoned their vehicles.
The police apprehended two suspects—Ghasiram Hantal of Jangarada village and Karan Khilo of Jhaliaguda village, both from Koraput district, Odisha. During questioning, the duo disclosed the identities of three accomplices—Suresh Adakabiya, Khanilati, and Junnesh—who managed to escape. Suresh is believed to be the prime operative, and a manhunt is underway.
Along with the arrests, police seized two cars, 44 packets of ganja weighing 230 kilograms, Rs 700 in cash, and three mobile phones. Ghasiram Hantal is known to have been involved in seven previous two-wheeler theft cases, while Karan Khilo arranged the Maruti 800 car used for smuggling.
The ganja was loaded in Pottangi, Odisha, and was en route to Visakhapatnam when intercepted by police.
SP Jindal praised the prompt action of Bobbili DSP G Bhavyareddy, Gajapathinagaram CI GAV Ramana, Manapuram SI R Jayanti, and constables K Appanna, K Shankar, and HG K Appalaswamy. Certificates of appreciation were awarded for their outstanding efforts.
