Berhampur: The Excise Department achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday by seizing a large quantity of ganja that was being smuggled out of Odisha.
Acting on intelligence inputs, officials intercepted the consignment on the National Highway near Berhampur while it was allegedly being transported to Tamil Nadu.
According to reports, the Excise Department received specific information from intelligence sources regarding the movement of a ganja consignment being trafficked across state borders. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, an Excise team conducted a raid and intercepted the suspected vehicles on the highway.
During the operation, officials seized 111 kg of ganja that was being transported illegally. Along with the contraband, the team also confiscated two cars, a motorcycle and a container vehicle allegedly used in the smuggling operation.
Five persons involved in the racket were arrested during the raid. The Excise officials also seized four mobile phones from their possession, which are expected to help investigators trace the wider network involved in the interstate drug trade. The accused were later produced before a local court.
Officials said the crackdown reflects intensified efforts by enforcement agencies to curb the illegal transportation of ganja from Odisha to other states. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the smuggling network and trace the source of the contraband.
