The Malkangiri Police on Tuesday arrested a journalist on charges of smuggling Ganja (dry Cannabis) during a raid in Khairiput block under the district. The police also seized around 15 quintal of Ganja and arrested 5 persons including the scribe.
The scribe, identified as Hemant Takri, working for Koraput Baipariguda-based private web channel, Biswabijayi, was caught red-handed by the police with the smuggled contraband.
A special team led by Mudulipada PS Officer In-Charge (OIC) was stationed at Jhariaguda checkpoint for vehicle inspection. They intercepted a pick-up van and a four-wheeler speeding up towards Jeypore. The cops tried to stop the vehicles, however, they didn't stop at the checkpoint.
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The on-duty cops at the checkpoint chased the vehicles and successfully nabbed them. The police found the vehicles loaded with a huge cache of Ganja. Seizing the vehicles, police took five persons to Mudulipada police station for interrogation.
"Our team was stationed at Jhariaguda for vehicle checking. Meanwhile, a speeding car followed by a pickup van stopped after seeing the police team. However, after they tried to escape the spot, we chased and nabbed them," informed Anshuman Dwibedi, SDPO, Chitrakonda.
"We have arrested five accused and seized the haul of ganja which worths over a crore. The investigation process is underway and we will try to collect more information," added Dwibedi.
Following the interrogation, the culprits admitted of smuggling Ganja to other states from Chitrakonda.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)