Anti-narcotics squad busts Odisha-based drug supply chain, 2 arrested
Delhi’s East District Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) has busted an inter-state, Odisha-based narcotics supply chain. Two persons, Sonu Kumar (30), a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Deba Mandi (34), a resident of District Malkangiri, Odisha, have been arrested in the case.
According to DCP Rajeev Kumar, the investigation began on June 3, 2026, after A.N.S., East District, Delhi, received secret information that Sonu, allegedly involved in trafficking and supplying “Ganja” in Delhi and adjoining areas, would be carrying a huge quantity of the substance near the Back Side Road of Competent Maruti Showroom, Near Talco T-Point, Ghazipur, Delhi, in a Maruti Ciaz car bearing registration No DL6CR. Acting on the received information, the team set a trap at the location. It successfully nabbed the person named Sonu, who was sitting in a Maruti Ciaz car bearing registration No DL6CR.
During a thorough search of the car, 2 bags containing a commercial quantity of 22 Kg and 450 G of “Ganja” were found. A case FIR No. 197/2026, U/s. 20/25 NDPS Act, PS PIA, Delhi was registered, and the supplier was arrested. An investigation was launched to track down and arrest the source of the substance.
The peddler disclosed that he used to obtain “Ganja” from his source, namely Deba Mandi in Odisha, and supply it in small quantities in the Delhi-NCR region. To bust the entire syndicate, the team was given an intensive briefing and directed to track down and arrest the source immediately.
During the investigation, it was found that since Sonu’s arrest, Deba had switched off all his contact numbers. Acting on fresh intelligence and surveillance, the A.N.S. team conducted multiple raids in the outskirts and Forest Area of District Malkangiri, Odisha (Orissa-Andhra Pradesh Border area). On June 17, 2026, they successfully apprehended the accused source after a brief chase from Orissa to the Andhra Pradesh border.
Deba disclosed that his village is located in a jungle area where he has noticed the growth of “Ganja” in the hills and dense forests, in locations that authorities cannot regularly reach. He mentioned that “Ganja” was in high demand in the illicit market and, hence, he started growing the substance in the jungle area and making packets. In 2018, he was arrested in FIR No. 245/18 u/s 20/29 NDPS Act, PS Kotwali, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, and imprisoned for 3 years. After coming out of jail in 2022, he initially worked as a labourer but then went back to supplying “Ganja”. A year ago, Deba came in contact with Sonu and started supplying the substance to him in bulk for further sale in Delhi NCR. The primary motive was financial gain, as they found “Ganja” selling to be a prompt source of income despite its status as an illegal substance.
The police team recovered 22 kgs & 450 grams of “Ganja” valued at approximately 10 Lakh in the illicit market. Additionally, one Maruti Ciaz car bearing registration No. DL6CR***, used in the transportation of the psychotropic substance, has been seized. Further investigation is underway, the DCP added.