The Patnagarh police in Bolangir district intercepted a major consignment, seizing 3 quintals and 21 kg of ganja along with a Mahindra Xylo vehicle on Monday night.
The estimated market value of the seized contraband is pegged at over Rs 22 lakh, according to local police officials.
Acting on strict directives from the Superintendent of Police (SP), Bolangir, a special police team was formed under the supervision of SDPO Sadananda Pujhari to curb illegal drug smuggling in the region.
On Monday afternoon around 12:00 PM, while conducting routine patrolling near the Smart Park in the Ghumpali area of Patnagarh, the police team spotted a speeding Mahindra Xylo (bearing registration number OR-02-BG-1277) rushing towards Ganga Sagar. Growing suspicious of its erratic and high-speed movement, officers attempted to intercept the vehicle.
Realising he was cornered, the driver abandoned the moving vehicle and managed to leap out, successfully escaping into the darkness under the cover of the surroundings.
Police towed the seized vehicle back to the police station for a thorough inspection. During the search, officers discovered 16 plastic sacks packed tightly with the contraband. The seizure was officially executed in the presence of Executive Magistrate and Additional Tehsildar Arjun Majhi.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the contraband was smuggled from Kandhamal district and was destined for transport to another state.
Station House Officer (SHO) Haribandhu Gadatya confirmed that a formal case has been registered in connection with the incident. Law enforcement agencies are currently using registration details and other leads from the recovered vehicle to track down the absconding driver and dismantle the wider interstate smuggling network.
