Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 February 2024
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the PS Central Crime Station (CCS) has dismantled an inter-state drug racket, apprehending the complete chain of individuals involved in the illicit trade. Acting on precise intelligence regarding the transportation of narcotics via courier services, a proactive team from the PS Central Crime Station conducted a targeted operation on February 13, 2024.
Led by Inspector Vishal Ram, SHO PS CCS, the team comprised Sub-Inspector Parvash, Head Constable Sanjit Madhu, Sanjay Kujur, Constable K. Venkateshwar Rao, K. Rajendran, and Chandran, under the astute supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID). The raid, executed at Gurudwara Line, resulted in the apprehension of Malser Paul, a 33-year-old private worker hailing from Lillipur, Haddo. Paul was found in possession of approximately 2 kilograms of Ganja, concealed within a parcel dispatched through private courier services from the mainland.
Subsequent investigations led to the identification and arrest of co-accused A. Naganathan, a 40-year-old resident of Sunder Colony, Haddo, who was revealed to be a key receiver of contraband. Additionally, the mastermind behind the operation, Akash Dubey, aged 21 and hailing from Badhalgunj, Dist-Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended. Both Dubey and Naganathan were found to have prior involvements in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Authorities discovered that Akash Dubey orchestrated the transportation of contraband Ganja from Kolkata using courier services, which were then received by Naganathan and Paul for distribution among the youth in the islands.
The successful operation marks a significant breakthrough for the Police, effectively disrupting the entire drug supply chain in the region. Further, during the investigation, an additional 66 grams of Ganja were recovered from Naganathan’s possession.
The raid was conducted under the directive of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (CID) and the overall supervision of Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, SP (CID).
Members of the general public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or substance abuse promptly to the authorities using the provided telephone numbers – 112/100, 232586, 233307, 9474257242, and 9531856080. By working together, the community can foster a safer and drug-free environment for all.