Latest news with #Ganja
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
BSF and RPF foil gold smuggling bid in West Bengal, seizing Rs 57.6 lakh worth of gold and 89.4 kgs of ganja
Kolkata: In a joint operation by Border Security Force (BSF)-RPF a gold smuggling bid in Nadia district was foiled while a woman was arrested with gold worth Rs 57.6 lakh while in a separate operations, 89.4 kgs of Ganja was seized in Nadia and North 24 districts. BSF troops deployed along the India-Bangladesh international border in West Bengal's Nadia district foiled a gold smuggling attempt based on intelligence input. 'As part of this operation, the BSF in a joint operation with Railway protection Force (RPF) apprehended a female smuggler red-handed at Ranaghat Railway Station with five gold biscuits weighing 583 grams. The estimated market value of the seized gold is Rs 57.68 lakh, BSF said in a statement. 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Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a BSF team tracked the suspected woman and informed the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Nadia's Ranaghat, an official said. The RPF officials stopped the woman at Ranaghat Railway Station and brought her to the RPF office for questioning. During the search, five gold biscuits weighing a total of 583 grams were recovered from her. During a joint interrogation by BSF and RPF, the woman confessed that she had received a call from a man instructing her to deliver the consignment and she was promised Rs 1,000 for the task. She was directed to deliver it to a person at Simurali Railway Station. Public Relations Officer of BSF South Bengal Frontier N K Pandey expressed satisfaction over the success of the operation and appealed to the residents of border areas to immediately share any information related to gold smuggling via BSF's "Seema Saathi" helpline number 14419 or WhatsApp number 9903472227 through text or voice message. He assured that credible information will be rewarded and the identity of the informer will be kept strictly confidential. Meanwhile, South Bengal Frontier of Border Security Force (BSF), deployed along the India-Bangladesh international border in North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts, thwarted multiple attempts to smuggle narcotics through vigilant monitoring and swift action. During these operations, a total of 89.4 kilograms of Ganja was seized. The seized narcotics have been handed over to the concerned authorities following the necessary legal procedures. Pandey said due to BSF's 'continuous surveillance and strategic operations, major smuggling attempts are being foiled. BSF remains dedicated to ensuring the security of border areas through rigorous monitoring and precise operations.'
The Star
21-07-2025
- The Star
35 arrested in major anti-drug operation in Brunei
Drug items that were picked during the special operation by Brunei police. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Narcotics Control Bureau (BKN) arrested 35 individuals and smashed a major drug syndicate during 'Operasi Tokek', a large-scale anti-drug operation conducted from June 29 to July 14. The arrests, comprising 25 local citizens, nine permanent residents, and one foreign national aged between 17 and 59, were made in various locations across the Brunei-Muara and Belait districts, with the majority taking place at Jalan Nenas Sanggol, Kampong Katok. The operation uncovered 38.67 grammes of syabu (methamphetamine), 9.2 grammes of Ganja, and smaller amounts of ecstasy and Erimin 5 pills. Investigations revealed the syndicate was allegedly orchestrated by a 27-year-old local man, who employed several individuals, including minors, for drug smuggling and distribution. One family was also found to be involved, with each member playing a different role. Authorities also discovered that some members had been misusing their monthly welfare assistance to fund their drug trafficking activities. As part of the operation, two suspects were apprehended at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in the Belait District while attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. They are being investigated under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for importing controlled substances. Four other individuals are under investigation under Section 3A of the same act for possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. The BKN stated that the operation reflects its ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal activity in the Jalan Nenas Sanggol area. The bureau reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its crackdown on drug-related crimes to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Authorities also seized BND1,156 and SGD2 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking, along with a vehicle and tools used for packaging and consuming drugs. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Filmdom, Shaken Not Stirred, By Cocaine
If movie stars indulge in drug abuse, then it will have a detrimental effect and adversely affect the attitude and behavioural patterns of teenagers. Drug abuse is a malignant social and health problem that ruins lives, destroys society, and feeds into a cycle of violence and criminal activity. To combat this malaise, cinema can be the most potent weapon in the campaign against drug and substance abuse. Its effectiveness is ingrained in its inherent power to promote change, vibrancy, and gregariousness, and lastly its participatory nature. These four do not work separately, but rather as a combination and in symbiosis. But, if movie stars indulge in drug abuse, then it will have a detrimental effect and adversely affect the attitude and behavioural patterns of teenagers. Youths indulge themselves in drugs and substance abuse for all sorts of reasons. They range from dysfunctional families, peer influence, availability of alcohol and drugs, influence of social media, unemployment and stress, to mention a few. It is worth noting that the youth are at risk of falling into the relentless cycle of drug abuse if a film culture portrays drug abuse as fashionable and cool. The arrest of popular actor Srikanth, known for his work in Tamil and Telugu films, in a drug-related case has uncovered a criminal network that extends far beyond substance abuse and distribution. Tamil actor Krishna has also been detained as he is supposed to have used his political connections and film industry ties to peddle cocaine among celebrities. He allegedly hosted drug-fuelled parties and introduced several clients, including actor Srikanth, to the narcotic substance. These developments have shaken up film industries in South India. The arrests shook Kollywood and brought to light the involvement of former AIADMK executives, drug dealers, and several other actors. Srikanth reportedly confessed to having purchased cocaine more than 40 times, paying up to Rs 4.72 lakh in digital money. He also admitted that he first became addicted to the drug when he was taken to parties. Police say two popular actresses are also involved. With several celebrities across southern cinema facing drug use allegations, the Malayalam film industry has made a 'no-drug affidavit" mandatory on sets. Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi appeared before the excise team investigating the seizure of hybrid Ganja from a resort at Omanapuzha in Alappuzha. Shine Tom Chacko reportedly confessed to police about widespread abuse of synthetic drugs in the film industry and that several leading actors are involved in it. According to media reports, in the statement to the Police, he stated, 'Only I and one other actor are blamed; there are other major actors who use drugs as well." What began with state award-winning actor Vincy Aloshious's bold revelation has spiralled into a full-blown controversy. The Justice Hema Committee report, too, had flagged substance abuse as a lurking menace within the industry, reinforcing what many suspected but few dared to confront. However, the public glare was more on sleazy details than on drug abuse mentioned in the report. Exactly 10 years after his sensational arrest in a high-profile drug case — Kerala's first cocaine case — actor Shine Tom Chacko finds himself back in the eye of a storm, for his drug consumption. On 15 April 2025, actor Vincy publicly accused a co-actor of inappropriate behaviour and drug use during the shoot of the yet-to-be-released movie 'Soothravakyam'. Though she didn't name him specifically, it later emerged that the actor referred to was Shine. Vincy recalled disturbing incidents on set — from lewd remarks made in front of the crew to the actor spitting a suspicious white powder. The controversy deepened the next day when CCTV footage surfaced showing Shine fleeing a hotel in Ernakulam during a District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) raid. Summoned by the police, Shine finally turned up at the police station on 19 April and was arrested after four hours of questioning, though under bailable charges. His past caught up too: in 2015, he was arrested in a cocaine case along with four women models from a Kochi flat but was acquitted in February 2025 after the court cited investigative lapses and the absence of cocaine traces in blood tests. A string of recent incidents paints a disturbing picture: In 2023, actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi were banned by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Kerala Film Producers' Association for unprofessional conduct allegedly linked to substance abuse. Adding to the growing concerns, actor Tini Tom publicly warned in May 2023 about rampant drug use in the industry, citing the deteriorating health of a young actor due to addiction. Substance use, the report revealed, was not just widespread but normalised across all levels of the industry—from actors to technicians. Recently, the Kerala Excise Department arrested three people, including Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, for possession of Hybrid Ganja. To address this problem, the Justice Hema committee recommended a zero-tolerance policy on substance use at workplaces, contractual enforcement, clear signage, increased government surveillance, and awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders. In Karnataka's Sandalwood, at present, actors Sanjjanaa Galrani and Ragini Dwivedi are out on bail on drug-related charges. The Telugu film industry, or Tollywood, has a chequered history with drug abuse, and its failure to address it. Reports of substance abuse in Tollywood have surfaced periodically, with whispers of late-night parties and easy access to narcotics in elite circles. The industry's high-pressure environment, coupled with its wealth and glamour, creates fertile ground for such vices. Tollywood actor Pallapolu Navdeep appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in an alleged drug trafficking case in October 2024. Surprisingly, all is quiet on the Bollywood front. However, in the past, stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Gauri Khan, Mamta Kulkarni, Honey Singh, and many more have been allegedly involved or were accused of substance abuse. Whether a celebrity or a nonentity, both get trapped in drug abuse as a result of attempts to break away from the cycle of family brutality and psychological abuse at home and confront the dangers of drug dealers, addiction, and stigmatization. Meanwhile, along with the rise in drug abuse, other disturbing trends are emerging. Kerala has recorded an over 76 per cent jump in abortion cases over a nine-year period, according to data released by the Health Management Information System (HMIS) portal, in June 2025. The widespread acceptance of live-in relationships could be encouraging the rise in abortions, which could be partly due to indulgence in drug abuse. The Allahabad high court has observed that live-in relations are against the values held by Indian middle-class society. A bench of Justice Siddharth has expressed displeasure at the growing number of such cases reaching the courts. The Allahabad High Court recently observed that live-in relationships have no social sanction. Still, the youth are attracted to such relations, and it is high time that we find some framework and solution to save moral values in society. Hearing two other Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pleas challenging the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) provisions, especially rules on Live-In Relationships, the Uttarakhand High Court orally remarked that the female partner is more vulnerable in such relationships. Youth, especially college and university students, routinely emulate their favourite matinee idols' behaviour in public, in advertisements, and on social media. Their favourite stars smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol on screen, and enjoying rave parties are giving the youth the impression that the 'pleasure principle' should be the motto of life. This is ruining their careers and getting them into trouble with the law. In Andhra Pradesh alone, over 500 psychologists are being recruited in government schools, to tackle the problem of drug addiction. Research studies have been undertaken in developed countries to theorize the media's influence on young people's attitudes and behaviours, as well as their willingness to engage in risky behaviours. Various theories of 'media effects" have demonstrated the impact of visual media on behaviour, such as sexual activity, anger, action, road rage, and violence. When people see more sexual content on television in movies and entertainment shows, they are more likely to participate in sexual activity with their friends. Television shows create and manipulate a new type of social value system, beliefs, and customs. Younger audiences are more affected by television than older audiences. Television shows generally depict youngsters and adults acting immorally, cheating, killing one another, sobbing, and engaging in sex and often offensive behaviour. They portray a soiled image of adulthood that has erased their innocence and youth. top videos View all Russell Brand sums it aptly, 'A drunk once said to me, 'Drugs and alcohol are not our problem, reality is our problem; drugs and alcohol are our solution to that problem.' Aren't we all, in one way or another, trying to find a solution to the problem of reality? If I get this job, this girl, this guy, these shoes. If I pass this exam, eat this pizza, drink this booze, go on this holiday. Isn't there always some kind of condition to contentment? Isn't it always placed in the future, wrapped up in some object, either physical or ideological?" The writer is Former Director General, Multi-Disciplinary School of Economic Intelligence, and National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : cocaine drug abuse drugs view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 11:48 IST News opinion Opinion | Filmdom, Shaken Not Stirred, By Cocaine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ganja worth ₹1.32 crore seized on Pune-Nashik highway; two arrested
In a crackdown on drug trafficking, the anti-narcotics cell of the Pimpri-Chinchwad police has seized a massive 264 kg of Ganja (Cannabis) from a tempo intercepted on the Pune-Nashik highway, and arrested two individuals in connection with the case. The incident was reported in the early hours of July 14. Assistant police inspector Swapnil Chavan and his team were patrolling when police hawaldar Javed Bagsiraj received a tipoff regarding a tempo ferrying Ganja. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) Assistant police inspector Swapnil Chavan and his team were patrolling when police hawaldar Javed Bagsiraj received a tipoff regarding a tempo ferrying Ganja. Accordingly, a trap was laid at Alandi Phata on the Pune-Nashik highway and the police intercepted a suspicious-looking tempo only to find and seize 264 kg of Ganja valued at ₹13,211,300. The tempo was impounded and two persons were arrested on the spot. The duo has been identified as Ram Vyankat Pitale, 25, from Uruli Devachi; and Shreyas Pradip Chavan, 21, from Hadapsar. Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the duo was ferrying the Ganja from another state into Maharashtra and intended to distribute it across various locations in the state. Shashikant Mahavarkar, joint commissioner, Pimpri-Chinchwad police, said, 'We have seized Ganja worth ₹1.32 crore by arresting two individuals. This is one of the biggest actions against Ganja in Pimpri-Chinchwad. We are hoping more arrests will be made in this case. Considering further investigation, we cannot disclose certain things at this stage.' An FIR has been registered at the Chakan police station under sections 8(C), 20(B)(ii)(C), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused have been remanded to police custody for further questioning.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Hans India
EAGLE apprehends 14 in decoy operation
Hyderabad: Thesleuths of Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Cyberabad apprehended as many as 14 persons in a decoy operation near HDFC bank, Gachibowli area and dismantled a larger drug supply network of over 100 individuals. The accused persons were nabbed when they came to purchase Ganja from a person of Maharashtra. Police arrested consumers Naveen (31), an online trader, Ayush (22), a Student, Nikhil (29), a racing engineering, Sindura (26), an architecture, Hasan (34), a property manager, Kranti (28), an IT employee, Akhil (28), a dental technician, Shiva (32), a business relationship manager, Sandesh (34), a freelance Ad agency, Sai Raj (31), a sales executive in real estate, Akhil (26), travel agency, Swamy (27), a driver, Thushar (24), and Arpith (24) both IT employees. EAGLE, based on intelligence inputs, identified a repeat offender involved in the illegal sale and distribution of Ganja in the Gachibowli. The individual, a resident of Maharashtra, has been regularly frequenting the vicinity of HDFC Bank, Cyberabad Branch, Gachibowli, to conduct illegal drug sales, particularly targeting IT employees and private sector workers. According to EAGLE, the suspect transported 5 kilograms of Ganja in the form of 100 packets, each weighing 50 grams and sells each packet for a price of Rs 3,000; used WhatsApp to communicate with clients sending coded messages such as 'Bhai Baccha a Gaya Bhai' indicating his arrival and the availability of the substance. CH Roopesh, SP, EAGLE said that on July 12, EAGLE formed multiple surveillance and decoy teams comprising officers in plain clothes. These teams strategically positioned themselves around the HDFC Bank, Gachibowli area to apprehend consumers of narcotics 'In a span of 2 hours, a total of 14 individuals were apprehended in the act of attempting to purchase Ganja. All 14 individuals were tested on the spot using Urine Drug Testing Kits, and each tested positive for cannabis consumption. All 14 consumers are being referred to certified drug de-addiction centers for treatment and rehabilitation,' said Roopesh. The officer said, 'While conducting a decoy operation, a husband and wife came along with their 4-year-old son to purchase Ganja. We let off the lady and the child. The husband tested positive.' In another instance, both husband and wife came to purchase ganja, and the wife tried to bluff her way out. But when tested both yielded positive and both are addicted to Ganja. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the main peddler, Sandeep, a Maharashtra-based individual, who evaded capture during the operation. Continued surveillance and targeted operations are planned to eliminate the presence of narcotic substances in the IT corridor and its surrounding neighborhoods. 'Our technical teams are analyzing the WhatsApp communication logs, phone numbers, and digital evidence collected from the consumers' mobile phones to trace the supply network. The database of over 100 customers is being examined to uncover the broader distribution and demand network. All the remaining 86 consumers, better to go for de-addiction rather than EAGLE sending them,' said CH Roopesh, SP, EAGLE.
