Fri Jan 16 15:39:33 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Mumbai Men Arrested in Hubballi with 15 kg of Ganja
The Story
On January 16, 2026, Hubballi police arrested Farez Khan and Salman Khan, both residents of Mumbai, for transporting 15.4 kg of ganja. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the duo’s vehicle en route from Mumbai to Hangal in the Haveri district. In addition to the ganja, police seized three mobile handsets and the car.
The accused have been remanded to judicial custody, and a case has been registered at the Kasabapet Station Police.
Key Points
- Date: January 16, 2026
- Location: Hubballi, Karnataka, India
- Accused: Farez Khan and Salman Khan, residents of Mumbai
- Seized Material: 15.4 kg of ganja, three mobile handsets, and a car
- Destination: The consignment was being transported from Mumbai to Hangal in the Haveri district.
- Custody: The arrested have been remanded to judicial custody.
Critical Analysis
The historical context reveals a pattern of increased ganja seizures and arrests across India on and around January 16, 2026. This includes a key accused in a ganja case arrested in New Delhi, two individuals apprehended with 1.3 kg of ganja in Sangareddy, an individual arrested for selling ganja in Gachibowli, a massive 813 kg of ganja seized in Hyderabad on January 14, 2026, and 30 kg of ganja recovered from a train on the same day. This suggests a concentrated effort by law enforcement agencies, potentially spurred by a specific operation or crackdown, or a coordinated increase in trafficking activities.
Key Takeaways
- There appears to be a surge in ganja-related arrests and seizures across India in mid-January 2026.
- Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing ganja trafficking, evidenced by the successful interception of multiple shipments.
- The geographic spread of arrests—from New Delhi to Karnataka—suggests a nationwide problem, not merely isolated incidents.
- The variety in transportation methods (car, train, truck) indicate adaptability among traffickers.
Impact Analysis
The coordinated effort to combat ganja trafficking, if sustained, could disrupt supply chains and increase the price of the drug, potentially reducing availability. However, the adaptability of traffickers suggests they will likely seek new routes and methods, necessitating continued vigilance and adaptation from law enforcement. The long-term impact hinges on the sustainability and effectiveness of these ongoing operations and the development of more comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of drug trafficking.
First Piper 