70kg ganja seized during raid in Odisha, one arrested

In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics smuggling, Ghantapada police in Boudh district on Saturday seized a huge quantity of ganja (cannabis) and arrested one person in connection with the case.

The seizure took place near Siletpada Chhak on the Ghantapada–Uden Road during a late-night patrolling operation.

According to police sources, the team was conducting routine night patrols when they noticed a motorcycle moving suspiciously on the stretch. The police signalled the rider to stop, and upon thorough checking, they discovered around 70 kilograms of ganja packed in multiple bundles concealed on the two-wheeler.

Also Read: Malkangiri police seize ganja worth Rs 17 crore in 24 hours; 3 UP mafia arrested

The accused, identified as Birendra Pradhan, was immediately taken into custody.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the ganja was being transported to nearby districts for illegal trade. Police suspect that the accused may be part of a larger inter-district smuggling network operating in the region.

Efforts are underway to identify other members of the racket and trace the source of procurement. The seized contraband and the motorcycle have been taken into police custody, and a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused has been produced in court for further legal proceedings.

Police have intensified patrolling and surveillance across Boudh district to curb the growing menace of ganja smuggling, which has been a persistent issue in several interior areas of Odisha.