Huge consignment of Ganja worth over Rs 1 crore seized from truck in Bhubaneswar; major smuggling racket busted

In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics trade, the Commissionerate Police on Monday seized a truck loaded with a massive quantity of ganja (dry cannabis) during a special operation conducted in Khandagiri area in Bhubaneswar.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team laid a trap and successfully intercepted the vehicle while a deal was reportedly underway.
According to police sources, a team from the Khandagiri Police Station had received credible information regarding the movement of a truck carrying ganja into the city. 

Working swiftly, the officials launched a surveillance operation and stationed themselves strategically in the Khandagiri area. When the suspected vehicle arrived and the smugglers attempted to finalize a deal, police immediately raided the spot and took control of the situation.

Upon thorough inspection of the truck, officials found a significant quantity of ganja concealed inside. The truck driver and a few others involved in the operation were detained on the spot and are currently being interrogated to uncover the full network behind the smuggling operation.

The ganja was packed in gunny bags, and it was being smuggled from Phulbani in Kandhamal district to Himachal Pradesh. The cost of the entire ganja consignment is said to be around Rs 1 crore.

After seizing the truck, the officials of the Special Crime Unit initiated measures to weigh the seized ganja. Two persons have been detained in connection with the case.

The truck was intercepted near the Khandagiri area in Bhubaneswar. The ganja packets were hidden inside a secret chamber inside the truck.

Sources said over 5 quintals of ganja consignment that was being smuggled from Odisha to Himachal Pradesh has been seized in the process.

Senior police officials confirmed that the seizure is one of the largest recent recoveries of ganja in the capital city. They indicated that the contraband was possibly being transported to other states via Bhubaneswar. 

"We suspect the involvement of an organized interstate gang. A detailed investigation is underway to identify and arrest the key masterminds behind this racket," an officer informed.

The Police have intensified their operations against drug peddling activities in the city, following rising concerns about the increasing supply and consumption of narcotics. Several checkpoints have been established at entry and exit points around Bhubaneswar to monitor suspicious movements, and random vehicle checks have been intensified.

Meanwhile, further legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are in progress, and the contraband has been sent for forensic examination. This major bust is seen as a significant success for Bhubaneswar police in their ongoing war against narcotics, reinforcing their commitment to keeping the capital city drug-free.