Odisha: 1700kg ganja seized in Koraput raids

KORAPUT: In a major haul, 26 persons were arrested in 10 separate raids and 1,700kg of ganja seized in Koraput district on Thursday.
Police detained 10 four wheelers which were being used to smuggle the contraband. The raids were carried out in Sunabeda, Semiliguda, Pottangi, Boipariguda, Machkund and Jeypore sadar police limits.
“We were tipped-off about the consignments, and accordingly the vehicles were intercepted at various locations,” Koraput SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo said.
Police said the banned drug was procured from the Machkund area in the district and was being smuggled to other states.
“Due to the lockdown, the ganja smugglers are transporting the contraband in vehicles meant for carrying essential commodities to escape. However, we have intensified our raids against the smuggling in the past few months and have enhanced our patrolling around the suspected corridors in the district,” the SP added.
The SP said the district police have seized 25,462kg of ganja and arrested 263 persons in connection since August 2019. They have detained 112 vehicles used in transporting the ganja.