Ganja Trade Under Police Scanner in Khordha; Grocery Shop Owner Arrested ;

Three kilograms of cannabis seized at Gurujanga; alleged sale in small packets to local youths raises questions over narcotics supply network

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 26: The alleged sale of ganja from a grocery shop in a residential locality of Khordha town has come under the scanner of the police following the arrest of a 60-year-old shop owner and the seizure of 3 kg of cannabis during a raid at Gurujanga. The recovery of the contraband, along with a mobile phone and cash, has prompted an investigation into the source of the narcotic substance and the possibility of a wider supply network operating in the area.
The case has once again brought the issue of illegal narcotics trade in local neighbourhoods into focus, particularly the alleged distribution of contraband in small packets. However, the extent of the operation, the source of the seized ganja and the possible involvement of other persons are yet to be established through investigation.

According to a press release issued by Khordha Model Police Station on Saturday, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sanjay Mallik conducted a raid at Maa Kali Grocery Shop, situated near Kali Temple at Dewansahi in Gurujanga, on September 25. The operation was carried out following information about the alleged sale of ganja from the shop.
The shop owner, identified as Trinath Behera (60)of a resident of Gurujanga, was allegedly found selling ganja in small packets to local youths. When the police team arrived at the spot, he reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended by the personnel.
The alleged use of a grocery shop as a point of sale has added a local dimension to the case. While the police have made an arrest and seized the suspected contraband, the circumstances under which the ganja reached the shop, the duration of the alleged activity and the number of persons who may have purchased the substance remain matters for investigation.
During the raid, the police seized 3 kg of ganja, a Redmi mobile phone and Rs. 3,400 in cash from the accused. The search was conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and two official witnesses, in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The seizure forms the principal evidence reported by the police in the case. Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the recovery and establish whether the seized substance was intended for retail distribution or formed part of a larger consignment. The mobile phone may also be relevant to the investigation into the alleged procurement and supply of the contraband, though no details of its examination have been disclosed in the press release.
The quantity seized, coupled with the allegation that the substance was being sold in small packets, has brought the question of the supply chain to the forefront. Establishing the origin of the ganja, the means through which it was transported to Khordha and whether any intermediaries were involved will be crucial to determining the full extent of the alleged operation.
However, the police have not disclosed any confirmed information regarding the source of the seized ganja, the identity of any alleged supplier or the existence of a wider distribution network. These aspects remain subject to further investigation, and no additional persons have been named in the case in the police statement.
In connection with the incident, Khordha Model Police Station Case No. 586, dated September 25, 2026, has been registered under Section 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act, which deals with offences relating to cannabis. The accused was forwarded to the court of the First Additional Sessions Judge, Khordha, on Saturday.
The arrest comes amid continuing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the circulation of narcotic substances and identify those involved in their supply and distribution. The latest case also highlights the importance of local intelligence in detecting alleged drug-related activities in neighbourhoods and commercial establishments.
For police, the immediate challenge will be to establish whether the seized ganja was confined to the alleged activities at the grocery shop or whether its supply involved a chain of persons operating beyond the immediate locality. Verification of the source of the contraband and the circumstances of its alleged sale will be essential to establish the facts of the case.
Meanwhile, Khordha Model Police have appealed to residents to share information regarding the sale or use of narcotic substances in their localities. Members of the public have been requested to report suspected activities to Khordha Model Police Station. The police have assured that the identities of informants will be kept confidential.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus will remain on tracing the origin of the seized contraband, establishing the circumstances of its alleged distribution and determining whether others were involved.