Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 December 2024
Acting on credible information, Pahargaon Police uncovered illegal cannabis cultivation behind a house near Qua Spa, opposite Punjab National Bank, in Garacharma on 9th December 2024. The raid, conducted under the supervision of SDPO (South Andaman) Ms. Anushtha Kalia, IPS, and led by Inspector Mohd. Elias, SHO PS Pahargaon, resulted in the seizure of 11 cannabis plants and the arrest of a barber.
Upon receiving information about the illegal cultivation, a raiding team was constituted under the directions of SDPO (South Andaman). The team comprised Inspector Mohd. Elias, Sub-Inspector Manish Narayan, Head Constable Ajay Kumar Anand, Police Constable Shiv Kumar, Police Constable Rahul Mourya, and driver Police Constable Nuka Raju. The team, equipped with necessary tools, left for the location in the afternoon.
After arriving near the location, the team secured the presence of two independent witnesses to ensure transparency during the operation. Shortly after, SDPO Ms. Kalia arrived to oversee the proceedings.
The team proceeded to a house constructed of aluminium sheets, where they located the accused, identified as Pankaj Sil, a 37-year-old barber. He was informed about the information received regarding his alleged involvement in cultivating cannabis plants and was apprised of his legal rights.
During the search, 11 cannabis plants were discovered behind the house. The plants were uprooted, measured, and seized in the presence of the independent witnesses. The plants ranged in height from 21 cm to 135 cm and collectively weighed 594 grams.
The accused was unable to provide any license or permit for cultivating cannabis. Following the completion of the seizure formalities, the plants were sealed in a sack, labeled, and signed by the seizing officer, independent witnesses, and the accused.
Pankaj Sil was arrested on the spot under Section 20(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, for illegal cultivation of cannabis.
The operation highlights the commitment of the Pahargaon Police in addressing drug-related offences in the region.