Jashpur, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur police made a significant drug bust on October 2, seizing 440.63 kilograms of marijuana as part of their ongoing “Operation Aghaat.” The drugs were concealed under bags of chili and were being transported from Odisha to Uttar Pradesh. Authorities arrested two suspects from Prayagraj, identified as 28-year-old Mohammad Waseem and 34-year-old Mohammad Asif.
The estimated value of the seized marijuana is approximately ₹2.2 crore (about $265,000). Additionally, a Tata Iyer mini truck valued at ₹20 lakh (around $24,000), used in the smuggling operation, was confiscated, bringing the total seizure value to ₹2.4 crore.
Under the leadership of DIG and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Umed Singh, along with Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar Patanwar, the Jashpur police have intensified their campaign against drug trafficking. On the morning of the incident, around 9 AM, the anti-narcotics team, in collaboration with Tapkara police, was conducting vehicle checks at the Lawakera police barrier.
Police received a tip-off about a vehicle carrying marijuana entering Jashpur district from Odisha. As a result, inspections of suspicious vehicles coming from Odisha were ramped up at the Lawakera barrier.
During the inspection, officers stopped a Tata Iyer mini truck based on suspicion. Upon questioning the two occupants, they identified themselves as Mohammad Waseem and Mohammad Asif. When asked about the truck’s cargo, they claimed it contained bags of chili being transported to Uttar Pradesh. However, upon further inspection, officers discovered bags filled with marijuana hidden beneath the chili sacks.
A total of 440 packets of marijuana, weighing 440.63 kilograms, were recovered from 14 bags. The suspects could not produce any valid documents regarding the marijuana, leading to their arrest along with the truck.
The Tapkara police have registered a case against the suspects under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Initial investigations revealed that the marijuana was sourced from the Boudh region of Odisha and was intended for delivery in Prayagraj. Police are now working to identify the source of the marijuana and the intended recipient in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities are also investigating the involvement of other individuals in this smuggling network. If any additional suspects are identified, legal actions will be pursued against them as well. The arrested individuals are currently being processed for judicial remand.
According to police data, since January 2026, Jashpur police have seized around 1,906 kilograms of marijuana across 16 cases, valued at approximately ₹8 crore. In these operations, 22 traffickers have been arrested, and 17 vehicles, including a pickup truck, have been confiscated.
DIG Dr. Lal Umed Singh described this operation as a major success under “Operation Aghaat.” He emphasized that the police are thoroughly investigating the entire network, including the marijuana’s origin and the people involved. Singh reassured that no one involved in the drug trade would be spared, and the Jashpur police’s efforts against narcotics would continue relentlessly.
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