1.38 Tonnes of Ganja Seized From Coal-Laden Truck in Boudh; Two Held

Boudh: In a major crackdown on interstate drug trafficking, Boudh police seized 1.38 tonnes of cannabis concealed beneath a coal consignment in a truck and arrested two persons from Madhya Pradesh in connection with the smuggling operation.

The accused have been identified as Kripal Singh (27) and Kuldeep Rathor (19), both residents of Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh. They were apprehended after police intercepted the truck within the jurisdiction of Kantamal police station on May 28.

According to police, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of a large quantity of contraband through the district. A police team stopped the coal-laden vehicle and conducted a detailed search, during which 1,385 kg of ganja was found hidden beneath the coal load.

Boudh Superintendent of Police Rahul Goel said preliminary investigation indicates that the contraband was sourced from the Phulbani–Boudh border area and was being transported to another state. The truck owner-cum-driver and his associate were taken into custody at the spot.

“The ganja had been carefully concealed under the coal consignment to avoid detection during transit. Efforts are underway to trace both the source and destination of the contraband and identify others involved in the network,” the SP said.

Police conducted the search in the presence of witnesses and an Executive Magistrate. The seized cannabis, weighing 13 quintals and 85 kilograms, along with the truck used for transportation, has been taken into custody.

A case has been registered at Kantamal Police Station under Case No. 142/2026. Investigators are examining possible interstate links and probing whether a larger drug trafficking syndicate is connected to the operation.

Further investigation is underway.