Interstate drug peddler arrested at Kachiguda station, over 6 kg ganja seized

The Telangana Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force in coordination with the Railway Police, arrested an interstate drug peddler at Kachiguda Railway Station and seized 6.284 kilograms of ganja worth about ₹3.14 lakh from his possession on Tuesday.

The accused was identified as Ananta Swain, 32, a native of Ganjam district in Odisha, who works as a security guard in Chandrapur. Following a tip-off, the joint team intercepted him while he was waiting on a platform at Kachiguda Railway Station, leading to the seizure of the contraband.

Police said the accused had developed a habit of online betting and alcohol consumption and came into contact with another individual, identified as Kamal, through Facebook around 18 months ago. Kamal is said to have lured Swain into the illegal trade by promising quick money. Swain had earlier transported ganja to Surat and earned ₹7,000 for the delivery, police said.

Investigation revealed that on January 12, Kamal handed over a packet of ganja weighing 6.284 kilograms at Bhanjanagar Market in Odisha and instructed Swain to deliver it to Surat. The consignment was valued at ₹3.14 lakh, and Swain was promised ₹15,000 for the delivery. Following these instructions, he boarded the Konark Express from Berhampur to Secunderabad, with plans to continue his journey to Surat by the Rajkot Express.

On Tuesday, Swain diverted his travel route after fearing intensified police checks at Secunderabad Railway Station and boarded an MMTS local train to reach Kachiguda. While he was waiting at the station, the officials intercepted and apprehended him.

The accused and the seized ganja were handed over to the Kachiguda Railway Police for further investigation. Efforts are also underway to trace Kamal, the absconding peddler believed to be operating from Kandhamal district in Odisha.

Citizens have been urged to report such information through the EAGLE Force helpline, assuring that all inputs will be kept confidential and credible informants suitably rewarded, as part of the ongoing drive to build a drug-free Telangana.