Koraput, June 11: In yet another crackdown on the illegal smuggling of ganja, the Padwa police here seized a cache of cannabis having an estimated market value of over Rs 80 lakhs in the forest near Khuda Waterfall in Koraput district.

Acting on a tip-off, police launched a search operation in the forest. During the search, the officials recovered around 800 kilograms of ganja packed in 27 sacks and seized it.

However, the peddlers, taking advantage of the darkness, managed to escape from the spot.

Reportedly, the contraband was being prepared for smuggling to other states.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.