Ganja Worth Over Rs 1.5 Crore Seized In Separate Raids In Berhampur, Rayagada; 3 Arrested

Berhampur/Rayagada: Huge consignment of ganja worth more than Rs 1.5 crore was seized during separate raids at two different places of Odisha.

As per reports, the Excise department officials of Berhampur division reportedly intercepted a coir-laden truck, a car and a pickup van on the National Highway in Berhampur and seized over 11 quintals of ganja from the truck. The market value of the ganja is estimated to be around Rs 55 lakh.

The excise officials have also arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of the contraband items. The ganja was reportedly being transported in the vehicles from Gajapati district to Uttarakhand.

The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch intercepted a12-wheeler truck on State Highway No-5 near Tikarpada Harijan Sahi in Muniguda area of Rayagada district and seized contraband ganja weighing more than two tonnes from the vehicle on Tuesday.

The market value of the narcotics is estimated to be around Rs 1 crore, said reports.

Though the accused managed to escape the spot, the drug peddlers have been identified and will be arrested soon, stated the STF in a press statement released today.

Meanwhile, a case under NDPS Act, 1985 has been registered and investigation in connection with the seizure of the huge quantity of ganja is underway.

"This is the biggest seizure ever of ganja for STF and one of the biggest seizure of the state in recent time," claimed the STF.

(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)