New Delhi: A major interstate drug trafficking syndicate has been dismantled following a coordinated operation between Odisha and Delhi police, leading to the seizure of 165.74 kilograms of ganja and the arrest of three key operatives, including the alleged kingpin of the network.

Authorities said the syndicate had trafficked more than 5,000 kilograms of ganja from Odisha to Delhi over the past year, using sophisticated methods to disguise the contraband. The bust is considered a significant blow to the organized drug trade in the region.

The accused have been identified as Sonu, 30, a resident of East Delhi’s Khichdipur; Ajeet, 41, of West Delhi’s Jwala Puri, alleged to be the kingpin; and Rudrapratap Suar alias Pappu, a resident of Odisha, who was identified as the primary supplier. Investigators noted that Ajeet used his toy-packing business in Nihal Vihar as a front for storing and moving cannabis across state lines. The contraband was concealed inside boxes labeled as cashew nuts and transported via courier services to avoid detection.

The crackdown followed a tip-off received on December 24, 2025, alerting police that Sonu and Ajeet were likely to receive a consignment of cannabis in the Mangol Puri area of Delhi. Acting swiftly, a specialized raiding team mounted surveillance in the area. Around 8:40 pm, two men arrived separately on scooties and were observed transferring cartons. The police intercepted them and later identified the individuals as Sonu and Ajeet.

A thorough search led to the recovery of three cartons containing 15 packets each. Forensic examination by the FSL team confirmed the contents to be 47.34 kilograms of cannabis. Based on these findings, a case was registered under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and both men were formally arrested.

During interrogation, Ajeet disclosed that the consignment had been supplied by Rudrapratap Suar from Puri, Odisha. Acting on this information, Delhi police coordinated with their Odisha counterparts and traced another consignment of seven boxes that had been dispatched through a courier service.

Subsequent raids led to the recovery of an additional 118.4 kilograms of cannabis from a courier office in Delhi, bringing the total seizure in the operation to 165.74 kilograms. Following nearly three weeks of surveillance, Rudrapratap Suar, the main supplier, was arrested in Odisha and transported to Delhi for further questioning.

Police investigations revealed that Sonu, who worked as a labourer, had been receiving ₹10,000 per consignment to receive deliveries on behalf of Ajeet. The syndicate had reportedly coordinated over 100 such deliveries in the past year, using multiple intermediaries and disguising methods to evade law enforcement.

The operation also led to the seizure of two mobile phones, two scooties, and other incriminating materials that were being used in the trafficking network. Officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the full extent of the syndicate and identify additional members involved in the operation.

Authorities described the bust as a significant step in curbing the flow of illicit drugs between Odisha and Delhi and warned that coordinated efforts would continue against similar networks.

Delhi Police emphasized that this operation highlights the importance of tip-offs and inter-state cooperation in tackling organized narcotics networks, ensuring that such syndicates cannot operate with impunity.

The arrests and seizures come amid heightened scrutiny on the trafficking of ganja and other narcotics, which have seen increased use of commercial fronts and courier services to transport drugs across state borders. Law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify surveillance of similar businesses and logistics networks in both Delhi and Odisha to prevent recurrence.

The police have also indicated that the information provided by the accused during interrogation could lead to the identification of more suppliers and buyers, potentially resulting in further action against the network.

This bust, officials said, sends a strong message to criminal elements involved in the narcotics trade: that organized drug trafficking will be detected and dismantled through sustained inter-state police operations and close monitoring of suspicious logistics and commercial activities.