Police in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district have arrested five people and seized 230 kg of dry ganja, valued at more than ₹1.15 crore, near Gabbada village. According to a report by Deccan Chronicle published on October 20, 2026, the operation was carried out by Narsipatnam rural police while the group was allegedly transporting the contraband in a car.

The arrested individuals were identified as Sashi Kumar, 52, from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu; Pangi Subba Rao, 21, and V. Chantibabu, 27, from Alluri Sitharama Raju district; and Amal Raju and Manikandan Chandra Kumar, both from Tamil Nadu.

 

Alleged ganja procurement and transportation network

According to the police account reported by Deccan Chronicle, Sashi Kumar allegedly procured ganja from areas along the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border and sold it in Chennai, Coimbatore and Thanjavur. Police also suspected that he was supplying the drug to Sri Lanka at higher prices. This suspected international supply link remains an allegation reported by the police.

Investigators reportedly said Sashi Kumar and Chantibabu became acquainted while in Pudukkottai district jail in 2024. After their release, they allegedly decided to enter the illegal drug trade. Sashi Kumar is said to have asked Chantibabu to arrange a ganja consignment from Alluri Sitharama Raju district.

 

The report states that Chantibabu allegedly contacted Pangi Subba Rao, after which the group procured 230 kg of ganja from Janthapai village in Odisha. The consignment was reportedly stored at Alagama village in G. Madugula mandal before Sashi Kumar arrived with Amal Raju and Manikandan Chandra Kumar to collect it.

Police interception and investigation

Police intercepted the car carrying the group along with two pilot vehicles as the consignment was allegedly being transported towards Tuni in Kakinada district. Officers seized the ganja and registered a case.

Further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and verify the roles of those arrested. The allegations and suspected links described in the report should not be treated as established guilt unless proved through the legal process.