CID seizes 711 kg ganja in Howrah worth 1 crore, arrests key smuggler

Acting on a tip-off, the Narcotic Cell and Special Operations Group (SOG) of CID, with technical support, conducted a raid under Bauria Police Station, Howrah Rural District, on the evening of February 19. During the operation, officers seized 711.650 kg (7.1 quintals) of cannabis, concealed in 31 plastic sacks inside a hidden underground chamber of a godown. A portion of the contraband was also found in secret iron compartments of two vehicles—a Renault Duster (WB02AD1471) and a Toyota Glanza (WB12BF4166)—parked at the site.

The accused, Sk Majed Ali (38) of Chakkashi, Bauria, was arrested at the scene. According to preliminary investigations, he allegedly procured cannabis from various locations in Odisha and stored it in the godown for distribution among local agents in Howrah and adjacent districts. Officers also seized three mobile phones, suspected to be used for communication related to smuggling activities. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is ₹1 crore.

Majed Ali was previously arrested in Uluberia PS Case No. 222/21 (dated 30/06/21) under Section 20(b)(ii)C of the NDPS Act. He is also wanted in Karimpur PS Case No. 129/24 (dated 29/06/24) under the same section of the NDPS Act. A suo moto complaint was lodged by the Narcotic Cell, leading to the registration of Bauria PS Case No. 25/25 (dated 20/02/25) under Sections 20(b)(ii)C, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act.

The search, seizure, and labeling process was conducted under videographic documentation and the supervision of Deputy SP (D&T) and Additional Charge SDPO Uluberia, Howrah Rural Police District. The accused is set to be produced before the Ld ADJ 3rd Court, Howrah, with a remand prayer for further investigation.

The case has now been taken up by the SOG CID, which is conducting a detailed probe into the smuggling network. Investigators are looking into possible links with larger drug syndicates and other individuals involved in the transportation and sale of narcotic substances in West Bengal and neighboring states.