Andhra Pradesh - Khammam   

Ganja smuggling on rise

Huge haul: The ganja seized in recent raids.

KHAMMAM: Ganja smuggling across Orissa and Andhra Pradesh border has assumed alarming proportions. Gangs indulging in clandestine trade and transportation of the contraband were successful in sneaking past the police forces charged with fighting the naxalites.

Much of the ganja routed through the forest pockets of Khammam district had its source in Malkangiri- the Maoist citadel in Orissa. Certain tribal communities have been cultivating the ganja and they are beyond the reach of law enforcing agencies thanks to spurt in the Maoist activities.

Tribal women carrying head-loads of ganja were crossing over the Sileru river in country boats. The contraband which fetches Rs 1000 to Rs 1300 a kg was offered four to five times more in Maharasthta and Delhi. Hence it is much in demand.

The police conducting vehicle checking as part of the anti-naxalite operations have found heavy vehicles with the bottom of the chassis modified to facilitate illegal transportation of ganja. They could even be used for smuggling weapons. The police in Mothugudem have seized about 1000 kg of ganja and arrested 18 persons during the past few weeks.

The Excise department expected to deal with the narcotic cases, could hardly make its presence felt in the area. What the police could seize so far was only the tip of an iceberg, said a police officer.

The contraband was being smuggled towards Kunta in Chhatisgarh and Narsipatnam and Rajahmundry routes also, he added.

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