Huge cache of contraband seized, 28 detained

Malkangiri: In a big catch, police seized 56 gunny bags stuffed with ganja which were being transported by locals in dense Badaguda forest under Mathili police limits of the district on Friday.

Police detained 28 persons in connection with the case.

Investigating officials said, the locals are being interrogated, adding the involvement of an inter-state ganja racket can’t be ruled out.

Acting on a tip off, a special team of the district police led by SDPO raided the Badaguda forest and seized the bags which were transported by the locals on their shoulders. Police said, to elude vigilant eyes of the police, the locals used wooden poles to carry the bags in a traditional manner.

Police is assessing quantity of the seized contraband.

Earlier this month over 12 quintals of ganja worth Rs 50 lakh were seized by the excise officials on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The seizure was made during a raid at Kalibati area on National Highway 16 under Jankia police limits in Khurda district.

Police had arrested two persons and seized a pick-up van during the raid.