Excise officials intercept SUV carrying 9kg ganja in Maharashtra, nab 1

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: In a crackdown on narcotics, the state excise department seized over 9kg of ganja from an SUV on Jalna Road and arrested a 42-year-old man in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, officials said.The accused, identified as Badrinath Khurmute, has been booked under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.Acting on a tip-off about illegal transportation of contraband from Jalna towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a flying squad laid a trap at Gade Jalgaon in the Karmad area and intercepted a white SUV.During the search, officials allegedly recovered 9kg of ganja concealed inside the vehicle, valued at Rs 4.5 lakh.

The SUV was also seized, taking the total value of the confiscated property to Rs 10.5 lakh.A case has been registered under sections 8(c) and 20(b)(2) of the NDPS Act. Investigators are probing the source and intended destination of the contraband and whether a larger trafficking network is involved.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district state excise superintendent Abhinav Balure said the action was part of an intensified anti-narcotics drive.

"The state excise department is committed to protecting the younger generation from the growing menace of drugs and safeguarding public health. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and will continue to take stringent action against those involved in the illegal trade of drugs," Balure said.Officials said the action was carried out under the department's "zero tolerance" policy, in line with directives from senior authorities and district administration. Balure added special drives are underway across the district.