Crime— DC File

TIRUPATI: Police unearthed ganja cultivation spread across nearly two acres of agricultural land concealed within a maize crop at Duttalur village in Nellore district and arrested six persons in connection with the case.

Acting on credible information, Duttalur police, along with revenue officials, inspected the agricultural land in survey number 1582-2 on Thursday. Though maize was being cultivated on the land, a drone survey revealed ganja plants growing in the middle of the crop. The plants were being supplied water through a drip irrigation system.

Police seized the plants and burnt them in the presence of revenue officials. According to the police, some persons working at the site tried to flee when the team arrived, but six persons were apprehended.

The arrested persons were identified as Uppalapati Subba Reddy (46) and Mallavarapu Manohar (33) of Duttalur, Gopavarapu Raja (35) of Nellore district, and Kemudu Buchibabu (26), Jaddi Jeevan (20) and T. Balaraju (45) of Alluri Sitharama Raju district.

According to SP Dr Ajitha Vejendla, preliminary questioning indicated that the cultivation had allegedly received financial support from other persons and that arrangements had been made to purchase the crop after harvest. Police are investigating the alleged roles of financiers, prospective buyers and others involved in cultivation and supply.

Three persons, identified as Dukkeri Ravi, Ganesh and Ramalingam, were absconding. Police are trying to establish whether the operation had links with persons in other districts and identify the intended supply destinations. Police are also verifying information about the alleged involvement of the main accused in previous ganja transportation and sales cases.

SP Ajitha Vejendla warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in ganja cultivation, transportation and sale. She urged the public to inform the police about suspected drug-related activities.


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