In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Nathavaram police in Anakapalle district arrested eight persons on Friday for allegedly supplying high-quality Sheelavathi strain ganja from the Andhra–Odisha border to Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Police officials said the operation exposed a well-organised supply chain and marked the first known instance of ganja from the region being smuggled to Sri Lanka.
The arrests were made following sustained surveillance and actionable intelligence, officials said.
Software Engineer Identified as Key Accused
Among those arrested is Gade Renuka, 28, a Bengaluru-based software engineer and native of Santhakaviti in Vizianagaram district. Police described her as a central figure in the operation, alleging that she coordinated procurement, logistics, and distribution across multiple states and international routes.
According to investigators, Renuka operated alongside her associate Surya Kalidas, with whom she had rented a house in Narsipatnam to manage procurement and distribution activities.
Supply Chain Linked to Andhra–Odisha Border
Police investigations revealed that the ganja was sourced from tribal areas in the Balimala and Chintrakonda regions of Odisha. Middlemen allegedly procured the contraband at approximately Rs 5,000 per kilogram before transporting it into Andhra Pradesh.
Middleman Adduri Prasad is accused of coordinating procurement from tribal suppliers identified as A Ravi Kumar, O Lalitha Kumari, and P Mani Kumari, forming the first layer of the supply network.
Seizure and Interception Operation
Acting on credible information, joint police teams from Nathavaram and Narsipatnam rural police stations intercepted the accused near Srugavaram village. During the operation, officers seized 74 kilograms of dry ganja, a car, two motorcycles, and multiple mobile phones.
The consignment was allegedly being moved to Rajanagaram along the highway, from where it would be routed to Tamil Nadu and further transported to Sri Lanka.
Inter-State and International Links Under Probe
Investigators stated that accused Madhan Kumar and driver Naga Muttu were responsible for transportation logistics beyond Andhra Pradesh. Police also revealed that Renuka had allegedly been involved in earlier ganja smuggling cases under Payakaraopeta, Narsipatnam, Saluru, and Bengaluru police limits.
Authorities are now examining financial trails, communication records, and possible international links to determine the full extent of the network.
Police Reiterate Zero Tolerance Against Drug Networks
Senior police officials stated that the arrests reflect intensified efforts to curb narcotics trafficking across state and international borders. Law enforcement agencies have warned that stringent action will continue against individuals and networks involved in drug smuggling, particularly those exploiting tribal regions and cross-border routes.
The case highlights the evolving nature of organised drug trafficking and the need for sustained inter-agency coordination to protect public safety.