Odisha Police achieved a major breakthrough in their crackdown on drug trafficking after seizing over five quintals of cannabis hidden in a truck near Bhubaneswar. The operation, led by the Special Crime Unit and Khandagiri Police, was based on a tip-off regarding suspicious transport activity.
The intercepted vehicle, bearing registration number AP 30 X 3499, was abandoned near Kharavel Park by the driver and helper, who attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended.
On inspection, police found cannabis packed in five-kilogram packets stashed in a concealed chamber. The shipment was en route from Phulbani to Himachal Pradesh via Bhubaneswar.
The arrested individuals were identified as Maheshwar Malik of Phulbani and truck driver Mandeep Singh from Amritsar, Punjab. Both confessed to their role in the transport, allegedly receiving Rs2,000 for the job.
Authorities have launched a deeper investigation into the possible network behind the smuggling route, raising questions about prior oversight in the region and the scale of the operation.
