Rayagada/Boudh/Kandhamal: In a major crackdown on the illicit narcotics trade ahead of crucial elections, Odisha Police and Excise officials seized 483 kilograms of dry cannabis (Ganja) following raids in different parts of Rayagada, Boudh and Kandhamal districts in the past couple of days.
After getting a tip-off regarding the movement of a vehicle transporting Ganja in Bissamcuttack area in Rayagada district, Bissamcuttack police had intensified patrolling in the area yesterday.
Subsequently, the cops spotted a vehicle which had met an accident near Bissamcuttack jail. Later, huge cache of dry cannabis was recovered from the vehicle bearing the registration number of West Bengal.
In another incident, two persons were also arrested for their alleged involved in the illicit narcotics trade.
“We have seized 190 kilograms of Ganja worth Rs 5 lakh in two separate raids,” said Bisamcuttack Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Chandrasekhar Hota.
Boudh Police seized 270 kgs of Ganja worth nearly Rs 15lakh was seized from Tikarpada area and arrested two accused-Jogindra Kanhar and Sinhu Kanhar in connection with incident.
Officials of the Excise department seized nearly 23 kilograms Ganja following raids under Sadar Police limits of Kandhamal district and arrested four persons.