1878 Kg Ganja Worth Rs 3.75 Crore Seized By DRI Pune Regional Unit

Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 16th July 202: The officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Pune Regional Unit, have seized 1878 kg Ganja (also called cannabis or marijuana) worth Rs 3.75 crore in the illicit market.

The sleuths had intercepted two vehicles viz. one Eicher Truck Bearing Registration No. TS-07-UA- 7962 and one Maruti Ciaz car bearing a temporary registration no. TS09 EP T/R 90, on the Solapur-Pune Highway on 15.07.2021. During detailed examination of the above truck at Central GST Office, Pune, it was found that below the cargo of loose pieces of pineapple and jackfruit, HDPE bags containing Ganja were concealed. A detailed examination of the truck resulted into the recovery of 40 HDPE bags containing small rectangular packets having Ganja. The Maruti Ciaz car was used for escorting the Ganja laden truck.

A total of 1,878 Kgs of Ganja was recovered from the 40 HDPE bags and seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. It is estimated that the value of this contraband consignment of Ganja would be over Rs. 3.75 Crores in the illicit market.

The statements of total six persons including two persons who were occupants of the said truck and 4 persons who were occupants of Maruti Ciaz Car, were recorded wherein they admitted that they were assisting in illegal trafficking of Ganja from Andhra Pradesh. The ganja was destined to a place in Pune.

All the accused persons Vilas Pawar, Abhishek Ghawte, Vinod Rathod, Raju Gondhwe, Shriniwas Pawar and Dharamaraj Shinde, who are residents of Maharashtra and Telangana, have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation in this case is in progress.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is a premier agency which combats import export frauds, besides doing anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics work. The general public may share any information pertaining to the offences under the NDPS Act or the Customs Act, including about the smuggling of goods like Gold, cigarettes, etc., and may contact DRI, Pune office at 020-29705899.

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