Sleuths of the Intelligence and Enforcement Bureau, Excise Department arrested a 21-year-old man with a massive haul of 150 kg of ganja on Friday at Gunthubandha.
The accused has been identified as Kumar Pani, a resident of Chadiapada near Mohana in Gajapati district. Police also seized his car, motorcycle, and mobile phone. According to DSP Srutikant Rout, the total value of the seized items, including the ganja, is estimated at Rs 25 Lakh.
Authorities revealed that while the contraband was being transported in Pani’s car, two accomplices reportedly escorted the vehicle, but they managed to escape. The seizure followed patrolling operations based on prior intelligence about drug smuggling routes through the area.
Police suspect that the ganja was being illegally transported from Gajapati to other states via Berhampur. Investigators are verifying Kumar Pani’s involvement in previous drug smuggling cases and probing the participation of other individuals in the trafficking network.
