Police in Odisha’s Rayagada district arrested two women on Monday after seizing approximately 25 kilograms of contraband ganja from their possession at the Muniguda bus stand.
Acting on a confidential tip-off regarding the movement of illicit substances, a specialised team from the Muniguda police station set up a surveillance stakeout around the bus terminal. Officers intercepted the two suspects as they were allegedly preparing to board a transit bus to transport the narcotics. A search led to the recovery of 25 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth several lakh rupees in the illegal market.
Both accused were taken into custody and subsequently produced before the court under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Smuggling Tactics Under Scrutiny
Preliminary investigations suggest that drug networks operating across southern Odisha are increasingly recruiting women as mules under the assumption that they will raise less suspicion from law enforcement during routine transit checks.
“We have launched a comprehensive investigation to trace the origin of the contraband and identify the intended destination,” a senior police official confirmed. “Our team is working to uncover the wider network and identify the handlers behind this consignment.”
The Muniguda region has long remained a sensitive zone for illegal narcotics transit via public transport, including interstate buses and railways. Authorities have intensified patrols across transit hubs to disrupt emerging trafficking routes.
