Surat police has detained three, including one minor girl in connection with the trafficking of ganja. The investigation have revealed shocking information about the thriving ganja trade connecting two centres, Surat and Bhubaneshwar.
The three accused were arrested from Olpad in Surat with the cannabis plats in their possession. The cannabis plants were being smuggled into Surat by train from Bhubaneshwar using minors and girls as conduit. 14 kg ganja was seized from the accused.
Having received a cue, the Surat police had raided Kareli village in Olpad taluka and held three persons from Orissa, including one minor and one girl, in possession of illegal substance. Police seized thir mobiles and cash also. SOG is investigating the matter further.
The use of mnors and girls in trafficking the illegal substance gives another dimention to the illegal business. The girls and minors were paid Rs.10000 for the train trip from Bhubaneshwar carrying ganja. It must be noted that there is sizeable odia population of migrant workers in Surat.
This is not the first time the link between Orissa and Surat has been revealed in connection with illegal ganja trade. In May 2022, three men from Orissa were held with ganja worth Rs.3 lacs in Surat. 724 kg ganja worth more than Rs. 125 crores, being smuggled into Surat in a truck from Orissa, was seized by NCB only last month.