EAGLE Force Busts Contactless Ganja Network in Balanagar, Arrests Four

The EAGLE Force on Thursday arrested four persons for allegedly peddling ganja and busted a contactless delivery network operated from Balanagar. Officials seized 14 kg of the contraband, an air gun, six cars, and seven bikes from their possession.

Three of the accused were identified as Bolla Kiran Kumar, Bolla Durga Prasad, and Bolla Kamalakar. According to police, the gang sourced ganja from Odisha and distributed it across the city through a dead-drop system.

The operation began after the EAGLE Force received a tip-off through the 1908 helpline approximately two months ago. Investigators tracked the network by analysing WhatsApp chats and phone numbers. Kiran allegedly launched the operation in 2022, collecting orders and payments online before sending buyers location coordinates and photographs of parcels hidden in secluded spots to avoid in-person contact.

During the investigation, police identified 203 suspected consumers. Drug tests conducted on around 100 individuals returned 72 positive results. Among those who tested positive were six students, including one from the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering in Dundigal.

The raid turned violent when two of the accused allegedly unleashed a dog on the police team, while another attacked Inspector Mallesh with a screwdriver, causing injuries. Kiran attempted to escape by jumping from the fourth floor of the building, resulting in fractures to both his legs.