International Drug Offender Nabbed in Anakapalli During Massive Ganja Seizure Operation

Law enforcement officials in Anakapalli have successfully executed a significant operation resulting in the arrest of a major international drug offender and four of his associates. The authorities seized a substantial cache of 213.360kg of ganja, which is estimated to have a market value of approximately Rs. 1,06,68,000. This major crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks operating across regional boundaries.

The tactical raid took place on June 16 at the Lankelapalem Junction along the NH-16 highway. The operation was led by GSW Mahalakshmi, a sub-inspector attached to the Parawada police station, who acted swiftly upon receiving specific intelligence regarding the transport of illegal narcotics. A formal case has been registered at the Parawada PS to initiate thorough legal proceedings against all individuals involved.

Details of the Trafficking Network

The primary suspect, Shaik Ajmal Khan, a 30-year-old native of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, is at the center of this investigation. Shaik Ajmal Khan has a history of narcotics-related offenses, having previously served prison time in Sri Lanka between April 2022 and October 2025. Despite having his passport confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities, the suspect managed to re-enter India illegally to reorganize his criminal activities.

Investigators discovered that Shaik Ajmal Khan established a complex logistics chain to procure massive quantities of contraband from the agency areas of Andhra Pradesh for distribution in Chennai and other metropolitan hubs. His brother, Shaik Abdul Rehman, and two other associates, Tholam Durga Prasad and Kolleji Lova Prasad, were arrested for their active roles in procurement and transportation. Additionally, Chetti Ravikumar, also known as Nani, was taken into custody for his involvement in facilitating the transit of the seized ganja.

Investigation and Further Leads

Leading the ongoing investigation is Inspector Mallikarjuna Rao of the Parawada police station. During the operation, police recovered Rs. 95,240 in cash, a vehicle, a motorcycle, and four mobile phones used for coordinating the illicit trade. The investigation has also revealed connections to other absconding associates based in Chennai and Odisha, including individuals identified as Raja, Shyam, Badri alias Bunny, Mahadev alias Madhu, Askar, and Abid. Allegations suggest that Askar and Abid were involved in the movement of 14kg of hashish oil through the network.

The suspects were presented before the XI-th Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Anakapalli, where they were remanded into judicial custody as police continue to probe the depth of these transnational criminal links.