Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: A fast-food shop in Bhubaneswar's Khandagiri area has come under the scanner after police busted an unusual ganja trafficking racket allegedly operating under the cover of chicken rolls.

The Maitri Vihar Police of the Commissionerate Police arrested a 30-year-old man and seized 21 kg of ganja in connection with the case.

The accused has been identified as Harekrushna Badtia, a native of Badakodanda in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam district, who was residing at Panchasakha Nagar in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar.

According to police, the accused operated a fast-food shop in the Khandagiri area and allegedly used chicken rolls to supply ganja to customers. Whenever customers allegedly involved in drug consumption ordered a special chicken roll, he would stuff it with ganja and serve it along with the food.

The unusual method reportedly helped him conceal the illegal activity, while attracting a crowd of customers to his shop. Other fast-food vendors in the neighbourhood were reportedly surprised by the unusually high footfall at his outlet.

Police said the accused procured ganja from Kandhamal district and had been running the alleged racket using this method.

The racket came to light on Monday morning when Maitri Vihar Police intercepted the accused near the 200-feet road in Salia Sahi at around 10 am. He was reportedly travelling on a motorcycle carrying ganja.

On seeing the police, the accused allegedly abandoned his motorcycle and attempted to flee. However, police chased and apprehended him.

During a search of the bags loaded on the motorcycle, police recovered 21 kg of ganja. The motorcycle was also seized.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed how he used chicken rolls to supply ganja to customers, leaving the police surprised by the modus operandi.

He was arrested on charges related to illegal ganja trafficking and produced before a court on Monday afternoon. After his bail plea was rejected, he was sent to judicial custody.

Police said further investigation is underway to establish the source of the contraband and identify others who may be involved in the racket.