1 crore ganja hidden under cabbage load seized in Mayurbhanj; 5 held

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 23 sacks of ganja that were being smuggled by concealing the contraband beneath loads of cabbage in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

Acting on specific intelligence, an NCB special squad tracked a pickup van carrying vegetables, which was allegedly transporting cannabis hidden under cabbage crates to evade detection during peak vegetable movement hours. A Scorpio vehicle was escorting the consignment to ensure smooth transit.

After overnight surveillance, the NCB team intercepted the vehicles near Nuasahi Bharada Chowk under Kaptipada police limits. During the search, officials recovered 23 sacks of ganja concealed beneath the vegetable load in the pickup van. The escort vehicle was also detained.

According to sources, the consignment originated from Keonjhar district and was being transported towards Baripada via Kaptipada. Five persons have been taken into custody for questioning, while two members of the smuggling network reportedly managed to flee from the spot.

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NCB officials have estimated the value of the seized ganja to be over ₹1 crore. The agency has launched a detailed investigation to identify the wider drug trafficking network involved and to trace the absconding accused. Further legal action is underway.