Berhampur: In a significant operation, police apprehended eighteen individuals along with a cache of weapons in Ganjam district, Odisha, as reported on Sunday.

The operation spanned across various police jurisdictions including Aska, Bhanjanagar, Chamakhandi, Kotinada, Polsara, and Sheragada, taking place throughout Saturday night as part of a crackdown on organized crime syndicates.

Authorities recovered 17 firearms and 66 rounds of ammunition during the operation, leading to the arrests.

IGP (Southern Range) Niti Shekhar stated, "We will establish a specialized team to dismantle the supply network."

He indicated that the firearms are likely sourced from outside the state.

SP Suvendu Kumar Patra mentioned that the operation was initiated based on intelligence reports, aimed at curbing organized criminal activities.

Most of those detained have extensive criminal records with numerous pending cases against them.

Additionally, he noted, "We are investigating the potential seizure of properties acquired unlawfully by the suspects."