Padua police in Odisha seized cannabis worth Rs 80 lakh from a secret chamber inside a speeding truck in Koraput district.
The truck, allegedly transporting the contraband from Muchimputt in Andhra Pradesh to Hyderabad, was intercepted near Badadebata Square following a tip-off.
Despite attempts to evade capture, the truck (registration AP-29TA-5959) was stopped near Sirsimala village after a brief chase. The driver tried to flee into nearby forested areas but was apprehended by police.
Initial inspection revealed no visible cargo, but the strong smell of cannabis prompted a deeper search. Officers discovered a hidden compartment containing 405 packets, each weighing 2 kg — totaling 810 kg of cannabis.
The arrested driver, identified as Govarbhan Samadhan Ingle (28) from Ridhora village in Maharashtra’s Washim district, was produced in court. Police investigations revealed that on September 8, Ingle and truck owner Surya had traveled to Muchimputt to purchase the cannabis. After loading the truck, Surya returned to Hyderabad in a private car.
A case has been registered under NDPS Act Section 20(b)(ii)(c) at Padua police station, and SI Surendra Kumar Sethi has initiated further investigation. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the truck owner.
