Maharashtra YouTuber Akash Jadhav Arrested in ₹2.6 Crore Ganja Trafficking Case

Popular Maharashtra-based YouTuber Akash Jadhav, known for snake rescue videos, was arrested in Chhattisgarh over his alleged role in an inter-state ganja trafficking network worth around ₹2.6 crore.

Maharashtra/Chhattisgarh| January 31,2026:In a dramatic twist to a high-profile case, Maharashtra-based YouTuber Akash Jadhav, widely recognised for his snake rescue videos and wildlife content, has been arrested by police in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district for his alleged involvement in a major ganja trafficking network.

Jadhav, who has built a substantial online following with around 5.68 million subscribers on YouTube and over 3.17 lakh followers on Instagram, was taken into custody after a joint operation by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and the Komakhan police uncovered a large cannabis consignment.

The case came to light when authorities intercepted an ambulance during a routine vehicle check in Mahasamund. Upon inspection, law enforcement officers found 520 kilograms of ganja, estimated to be worth approximately ₹2.6 crore, hidden inside the vehicle, triggering a broader probe into the trafficking network.Officials allege that Jadhav used his public persona as ‘Sarp Mitra Akash Jadhav’, a wildlife rescuer, to mask his illegal activities and move cannabis across state borders without drawing suspicion. Investigators believe he coordinated the transportation of ganja from Odisha to Maharashtra, including delivery points in Pune.

Police sources also revealed that Jadhav had been absconding for nearly six months in connection with an earlier narcotics case registered in Pune, and his involvement in the trafficking racket was exposed through detailed investigation following the ambulance seizure.So far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, with authorities continuing to trace the full extent of the network, including supply routes, financiers, and distribution channels. Further inquiries are underway to identify additional suspects and assets linked to the gang.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune