Angul, Oct 11: In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, police in Athmallik intercepted a consignment of 30 kilograms of ganja being illegally transported from Boudh to Kolkata. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and a vehicle used in the operation has been seized.

The accused have been identified as Shubhen Dash and Pratap Dash of Chudakhai village under Kishorenagar police limits in Angul district, and Shukdev Mandal, a resident of Barshat village in the Kolkata region.

According to police sources, the trio was traveling in a car with the consignment when they were intercepted near Gopalpur Chowk. Acting on a tip-off, a team from Athmallik police had laid an ambush at the location. As the suspects approached the checkpoint, the police swiftly moved in, detained them, and recovered the contraband.

This seizure once again highlights the growing trend of ganja smuggling through the Athmallik region, which has emerged as a key transit route. Despite several raids conducted jointly by the police and excise department, officials have rarely managed to seize quantities exceeding 30 kg, raising concerns and suspicions among locals about the effectiveness of enforcement actions.

Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the smuggling network and determine the source and intended destination of the seized ganja.

Tags: Ganja raid