- Special NDPS Court convicts three accused in a major narcotics case involving the seizure of 562.55 kg of ganja transported from Odisha to Gujarat
- NCB Ahmedabad’s intelligence-led operation dismantles an alleged interstate drug trafficking network after a six-year legal battle
- Each convict sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹1 lakh under the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act
- Agency reiterates its commitment to a ‘Drug-Free India’ and urges citizens to report narcotics-related information through the MANAS helpline
NE LEGAL BUREAU
SURAT, JULY 3
Delivering a major blow to organised narcotics trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the conviction of three interstate ganja traffickers in a high-profile case involving the seizure of 562.55 kg of ganja that was allegedly being transported from Odisha to Gujarat for illegal distribution.
The verdict, delivered by the 11th Additional District Judge, Surat City, marks the culmination of a meticulous investigation by the NCB Ahmedabad Zonal Unit, which successfully exposed what investigators described as a well-organised interstate drug trafficking conspiracy.
Acting on specific and credible intelligence, NCB officers intercepted the accused at Krishna Industry, Kim, Surat, on May 4 and 5, 2020, leading to the recovery of a commercial quantity of 562.55 kg of ganja.
According to the investigation, the accused had allegedly conspired to transport the narcotic substance across state borders for illicit sale. The contraband was recovered from their conscious possession during the operation.
The case was registered under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, relating to possession, transportation and criminal conspiracy involving commercial quantities of narcotic substances.
Following the completion of the investigation, the NCB filed its complaint before the Special NDPS Court, Surat City, in October 2020. After an extensive trial spanning nearly six years, the court pronounced its judgment on July 2, 2026.
The three convicted persons are:
- Kalu Charan Behra, of Bilipara, Phasi, Kodala, Ganjam district, Odisha;
- Sudhir Kumar Swain, of Makrapoli, Gangapur, Ganjam district, Odisha; and
- Mithun Pradhan, of Bartulu, Jamuni, Ganjam district, Odisha.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh each.
The seized narcotic substance was disposed of through the legally prescribed pre-trial disposal mechanism in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Describing the judgment as a significant victory in the fight against organised drug trafficking, the NCB said:
“This conviction reinforces NCB’s commitment to dismantling drug supply chains and ensures that those exploiting inter-state transport channels for narcotics trafficking face the full force of the law.”
Reaffirming its nationwide anti-drug campaign, the agency added: “NCB reiterates its resolve to achieve the national vision of a Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat) and encourages the public to share information related to drug trafficking through the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline (Toll-Free No. 1933). The identity of informers remains strictly confidential.”
The conviction is expected to further strengthen enforcement efforts against organised narcotics syndicates operating across state borders while reinforcing the message that commercial-scale drug trafficking will attract stringent punishment under India’s anti-narcotics laws.
