Visakhapatnam: In a major crackdown, the Visakhapatnam police seized a staggering 1,000 kg of dry cannabis valued at over 1 crore and arrested five individuals involved in the illicit drug trade. The operation unfolded near Vemulavalasa in the city, where the gang was intercepted while transporting the contraband in two vehicles.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ch Mohan Suryam, Anaparthi Prasad, P Lova Raju, Vanthala Raju Babu, and Vanthala Suribabu. Acting on credible information, the city task force police, under the leadership of City Police Chief Dr CM Thrivikram Varma, swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspects near Y Junction, located within the jurisdiction of the Anandaparam police station.
During the operation, law enforcement officials successfully confiscated 25 bags, each containing 40 kg of ganja (cannabis). In addition to the substantial drug seizure, the police also seized three mobile phones and cash amounting to 3,600 from the arrested individuals.
Investigations have revealed that the accused procured the contraband from the tribal areas of Kancharapeta and Suvapalli villages, located near the Odisha border. The illicit substances were then smuggled into the Korukonda agency of the Andhra-Odisha border district.
This recent drug bust follows a similar incident just days ago when the city police seized 1,000 kg of ganja concealed beneath paddy bags in a van near Pendurthi in Visakhapatnam. The van was intercepted while transporting the massive quantity of cannabis.
The Visakhapatnam police are committed to combating the illegal drug trade and will continue to intensify their efforts to curb the menace. The successful operations and arrests made in recent times serve as a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking activities, highlighting the city’s determination to maintain law and order.
Further investigations are underway to uncover additional links to the drug syndicate and identify any other individuals involved in this illegal trade. The seized cannabis will be used as evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings against the arrested suspects.