Excise Department Seizes 1.6 Quintals of Ganja, Two Arrested in Jajpur

Jajpur: The Jajpur Excise Department has busted a major ganja smuggling racket by seizing 1 quintal and 60 kilograms of the contraband, estimated to be worth around Rs 16 lakh, from a pickup truck.

Acting on a specific tip-off, the District Excise Mobile Team intercepted the vehicle during a routine check. The ganja had been cleverly concealed beneath a consignment of water bottles in an attempt to evade detection.

Two persons, identified as Anand Bhoi of Boudh district and Anil Behera of Angul district, were arrested in connection with the case. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were transporting the ganja from Boudh with the intention of supplying it to different locations in Jajpur district.

Excise officials have launched a detailed investigation to trace the wider smuggling network and identify others involved in the illegal trade.