Cuttack, Dec11: In a major crackdown, police have uncovered a new method adopted by drug traffickers to evade law enforcement. The incident came to light in the Khuntuni area, where a Tata Ace vehicle was found carrying ganja in a specially designed secret chamber.

According to police sources, the smugglers had created a concealed compartment beneath vegetable trays placed in the vehicle’s loading area. The contraband was being transported illegally from the Angul area towards Manguli.

Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid near the Khuntuni toll gate on National Highway-55. During the operation, officers seized 17 packets of ganja from the vehicle. The driver and an accomplice were arrested on the spot.

The accused have been identified as Sukanta Maharana of Alasara village under Mahanga police station in Cuttack district, and Surendra Raut of the Siripur area. Police said that the smuggling attempt was detected during routine magistrate checking. To avoid suspicion, the vehicle was loaded with vegetable crates and hay, while the ganja was hidden in the secret chamber beneath the platform.

Further investigation is underway.