Jharsuguda: In a major anti-narcotics operation, Badmal police seized around 2.5 quintals of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh, and arrested one person from the Sambalpur–Jharsuguda stretch of the Biju Expressway on Saturday.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours when a team from Badmal police station was carrying out routine patrolling near Kherual. During the drive, police noticed a suspicious multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) moving along the route and signalled it to stop.
However, the driver allegedly attempted to flee instead of complying with the instruction. In the process, the vehicle lost control and rammed into a road divider, bringing it to a halt.
Police personnel immediately reached the spot and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. During the inspection, a large quantity of ganja packed in multiple bundles was recovered from inside the MPV.
Two persons were reportedly involved in the smuggling attempt. While one of them managed to escape from the spot following the accident, the other was apprehended by the police team, reports said.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the contraband was being transported from Boudh district and was allegedly headed towards Raigarh in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
The seized ganja is being weighed and verified, with police stating that the quantity may remain around 2.5 quintals. The estimated value of the seized contraband is around Rs 25 lakh.
Police have launched a further investigation to trace the absconding accused and identify others involved in the smuggling network.
