Koraput: Continuing its crackdown on illegal ganja smuggling in the State, police seized around 134.6 kilograms of the narcotic substance near Kanagaon village under Machkund area of Koraput district in the wee hours of Friday.
Police have also arrested two persons identified Chaturam of Bihar and Rajiya Paswan of Delhi in connection with the illegal trade. The market value of the contraband is estimated to be around Rs 4 lakh, said police sources.
The contraband was being transported from Andhra Pradesh via Machkund, Lamtaput and Jeypore to Bihar in a Bolero, said reports.
A joint team of Machkund and Lamtaput police were conducting patrolling in Machkund area when they tried to intercept a four-wheeler. However, Chaturam, who was at the wheel did not stop the vehicle and sped away forcing the police officials to give it a chase.
The police team overtook the vehicle near Kanagaon Chhak. Following searches, police recovered the ganja concealed inside the seat of the vehicle and arrested the two peddlers.
Meanwhile, Chaturam and Rajiya have been taken to the Lamtaput Police Station for interrogation in connection with the incident, added reports. Further investigation into the case is underway.
(Edited By Ramakant Biswas)