Kantamal, May 29: In a unique attempt to smuggle cannabis, traffickers allegedly hid large quantities of ganja inside a coal-laden truck to evade police detection. However, suspicion by the Kantamal police led to the interception and inspection of the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of cannabis packets concealed beneath the coal load. Police seized 13.85 quintals of ganja and arrested two persons in connection with the case.
Keeping a close watch on illegal cannabis transportation, Kantamal police had formed several teams and conducted checking operations at different locations on Wednesday morning. During the operation, a 16-wheeler truck was spotted passing through Udepur Chhak on the Kantamal-Ghantapada road.
The police stopped the truck on suspicion. The occupants claimed the vehicle was transporting coal. However, coal-loaded trucks rarely use that route, which further raised suspicion among the officers. The truck was then brought to the police station for detailed verification.
During a thorough inspection conducted on Thursday, police discovered a huge quantity of ganja packets hidden beneath the coal. The seized contraband was weighed in the presence of a magistrate. According to IIC Basudev Bhoi, the total quantity seized was 13 quintals and 85 kilograms.
The truck driver and helper involved in the smuggling operation have been arrested, and further investigation is underway.
