Barbil Police Cracks Major Drug Network, Seizes 21.895 Kg Ganja Worth 5 Lakh

Barbil, Keonjhar — In a decisive crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Barbil Police dismantled a well-organized drug supply network operating in the region on 31st August 2025. Acting on credible intelligence, the police intercepted a professional drug supplier near Soyabali Football Field and seized 21 kilograms 895 grams of high-grade ganja, valued at approximately 5 lakh in the illegal market, as confirmed by SDPO Devendra Nath Pingua.

The prime accused, Babuli Behera, aged 61 and a resident of Dhobi Hutting, Barbil, is a habitual offender. During interrogation, he confessed to supplying ganja and opium to local peddlers in Barbil for illicit profit. In a swift and coordinated follow-up operation, police apprehended ten local drug peddlers, effectively breaking the entire supply chain.

The arrested peddlers include: Jatin Sahu, Jayaram Das, Chandan Bhagat alias Chandra, Dhiren Barik, Bipra Rout, Raj Kishore Behera, Arjun Keshari, Kapil Sahu, Ajay Behera, and Md. Asgar. All have been booked under Sections 20(b)(ii)(c)/29 of the NDPS Act. Along with the ganja, police also seized a Vivo Y20G mobile phone used in the trafficking operation.

This operation marks a significant milestone in Keonjhar district’s fight against illegal drug trade. By capturing both the main supplier and his network of peddlers, Barbil Police has dealt a serious blow to the spread of addiction and social harm in the locality.

The police have appealed to the public to support the anti-drug campaign by sharing timely information about such unlawful activities. Barbil Police remains committed to building a drug-free society and a safer future for the youth.