Two Chhattisgarh Based Ganja Peddlers Arrested In Bolangir

Bhubaneswar : Bolangir Town Police have busted a ganja smuggling operation in which the contraband was concealed using a method reminiscent of the popular film Pushpa, where illegal goods are hidden in specially designed secret compartments. Two persons from neighbouring Chhattisgarh were arrested, and a car used for transporting the contraband was seized.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs about ganja being trafficked along the Bolangir–Titlagarh road, police constituted a special team and intensified surveillance in the area. The team intercepted a suspicious car and detained its occupants for questioning.

An initial search of the vehicle did not yield any incriminating material. However, suspecting foul play, the police conducted a detailed inspection and discovered a concealed chamber ingeniously built into the front dashboard. On opening the hidden compartment, bundles of ganja were recovered.

In the presence of a magistrate, police formally seized 24 packets of ganja from the vehicle. The car used in the operation was also confiscated. Both occupants were arrested on the spot, and preliminary investigation revealed that they are residents of Chhattisgarh. Their identities have been withheld pending further probe.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Senior police officials said the sophisticated concealment method pointed to meticulous planning and professional execution. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the ganja, its intended destination, and possible links to a larger inter-state drug trafficking network.

Photograph: Two accused (centre, hands raised) in police custody.