Police seize 586 kg ganja hidden in pickup van in Odisha’s Rayagada

Police in Odisha’s Rayagada district seized 586 kg of cannabis concealed in a pickup van transporting vegetables and arrested one person during an operation on Sunday.

The accused has been identified as Biswambar Naik of Narangabadi village. The vehicle used to transport the contraband has also been seized.

Vehicle Intercepted

According to police sources, the pickup van was intercepted near Khurigaan Chhak following specific intelligence inputs about illegal transportation of cannabis from the Lamtaput area.

Acting on the tip-off, police kept surveillance in the area and managed to stop the suspected vehicle.

Cannabis Recovered

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered 23 bags of cannabis weighing 586 kg. The contraband was allegedly hidden inside a pickup van carrying vegetables.

Police seized the vehicle and arrested the driver on the spot.

Probe Underway

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the intended destination of the consignment and identify others involved in the illegal trade.

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Police are also trying to ascertain the network behind the smuggling operation, sources added.