Odisha Special Task Force arrests kingpin of interstate cannabis syndicate

The Odisha Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch arrested four suspects, including alleged kingpin Durbasa Sahu (46), after a month‑long intelligence‑driven operation across Boudh, Kandhamal and Sonepur districts. The men were stopped on the Nayagad–Khordha National Highway near Pichukuli while travelling toward West Bengal.

The arrests followed a seizure of 190 kg of cannabis from a cashew plantation near Athagarh, Cuttack, on June 24. Investigators uncovered a unique delivery method involving halves of a torn ₹10 note. The STF seized the suspects’ vehicle, seven mobile phones, ₹38,000 in cash, a gold chain and the torn notes. The syndicate is believed to have supply links to Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

Authorities said a financial investigation will trace the network’s money trail and that they will seek a seven‑day police remand for custodial interrogation to uncover further links in the interstate operation.