Railway Lines Fuel Ganja Trade in India's Heartland

Telangana Narcotics

Posted by AI on 2025-11-06 06:06:00 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-09 14:28:54

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The serene railway lines of Kottavalasa-Kirandul (KK) and Koraput-Rayagada (KR) have become unwitting accomplices in a burgeoning illegal trade, with a staggering 23 cases of ganja trafficking registered in just eight months. This surge in criminal activity along these routes, connecting Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, has local authorities and residents on high alert.

In the period between March and October, the Koraput Government Railway Police (GRP) seized 345 kg of ganja and arrested 48 individuals, including a concerning mix of local mafia members, educated youth, and women. The trend is alarming, as traffickers from various states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana, are infiltrating the region, disguised as tourists. These criminals exploit the railway network's connectivity, receiving their illicit cargo from local suppliers at smaller stations and transporting it across state lines.

The reputation of cannabis cultivated in the region, known for its superior quality, might be a contributing factor to this illegal trade's growth. With heightened police vigilance on highways, smugglers are turning to railways, targeting stations like Darliput, Padua, and Jeypore on the KK line, and Dumuriput, Damanjodi, and Rayagada on the KR line. The involvement of external traffickers suggests a sophisticated network, with local peddlers playing a crucial role in the supply chain.

This emerging trend poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and raises concerns about the region's reputation. As the authorities grapple with this issue, the question remains: How can the illegal trade be curbed without hindering the legitimate economic activities and the daily lives of locals who depend on these railway lines? The delicate balance between security and development is a complex issue that demands attention and innovative solutions.

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