The Northern Excise Intelligence Division in Sambalpur achieved a major breakthrough by seizing nearly 12 quintals of ganja worth around Rs 1 crore.
The contraband was recovered from a container near the Shasan tollgate.
Investigators revealed that traffickers had built a special secret chamber inside the container to conceal the ganja and transport it with precision. During inspection, officials discovered 48 sacks filled with ganja hidden in the chamber.
Preliminary investigation suggests the consignment was being smuggled from Bargarh district to Madhya Pradesh. Acting swiftly, excise intelligence officers arrested two accused linked to the illegal trade.
Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the wider network behind the smuggling operation. The seizure highlights the growing challenge of inter‑state ganja trafficking and the innovative concealment methods adopted by smugglers.
Officials emphasised that strict surveillance and coordinated raids will continue to curb the illegal trade and dismantle its supply chain.
