In a significant operation, the Patamata police in Vijayawada have apprehended a notorious ganja smuggling gang and confiscated ganja with an estimated value of around ₹2.5 lakh. The gang’s kingpin, Shaik Akbar Basha, was found to be smuggling ganja from the Agency area of ASR District and distributing it to consumers, particularly students. The gang was caught red-handed while handing over ganja packets to local peddlers near Enikepadu, on the outskirts of Vijayawada. Central Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), P. Bhaskar Rao, revealed that Akbar Basha is a most wanted criminal who had been absconding for the past two years and had a long list of criminal cases against him in various police stations. The gang’s modus operandi involved procuring ganja stocks from tribal hamlets and selling them at higher rates to local suppliers. The seized contraband was being supplied to the local peddlers at inflated prices. This successful operation helps in curbing the illegal drug trade in the area and ensures the safety of the students and the community at large. To know more about this operation, refer to the article on The Hindu.