A high-stakes smuggling racket unravelled unexpectedly today when the Sambalpur Excise Department intercepted over 110 kg of ganja, only to discover a cache of precious silver hidden within the vehicle.
The early morning raid, conducted near Pardhiapali Gate as part of a routine inspection, led to the seizure of silver whose estimated market value is believed to exceed Rs 1 crore. According to initial reports, the silver was allegedly being transported from Mumbai to Jharkhand, using the narcotics shipment as a cover.
Excise officials confirmed that the investigation was originally aimed at curbing illegal ganja movement. However, the discovery of silver coins and bars shifted the case to the SIT and GST departments for further investigation.
The vehicle involved has been seized, and three young men travelling in it are currently in custody. Sources suggest this could be part of a larger interstate smuggling network, potentially involving cross-border logistics and illicit financial channels.
Authorities are now probing deeper into the possibility of a narcotics-linked financial conduit, as similar patterns have emerged in recent crime busts across Eastern India.
