Visakhapatnam: In a major haul, the excise department’s special task force (STF) team-II seized 362 kg of dry cannabis during a raid at Guthulaputtu village of Pedabayalu mandal under prohibition and excise station limits in Paderu of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district.
Acting on credible information, the STF team led by task force team leader T Madhu Babu intercepted a cannabis-laden jeep, arrested the driver of the vehicle, and seized the contraband while two others, identified as the buyers of the cannabis and supplier have also been implicated. The value of the seized ganja was estimated at Rs 12.6 lakh, and the vehicle is Rs 4 lakh, bringing the total value to Rs. 16.6 lakh.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of excise commissioner Nishant Kumar and enforcement director Rahul Dev Sharma, as part of intensified border enforcement measures. This success also reflects the impact of continuous monitoring and strategic direction by excise principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena, whose regular reviews and focused guidance have played a key role in driving the department’s sustained efforts against illicit drug trade.
