Malkangiri, Nov 8: In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, police in Malkangiri district have seized ganja worth ₹2.25 crore that was hidden in a dense forest for transportation to other states.

Acting on a tip-off, a team from the MV-79 Police Station launched a patrol in the Jakalgundi forest area under Telarai panchayat on Friday. During the search, police recovered several plastic sacks filled with ganja concealed deep inside the forest.

The seized contraband weighed 4 quintals and 50 kilograms (450 kg) and was estimated to be worth around ₹2.25 crore, police sources said.

A case has been registered at the MV-79 Police Station, and an investigation is underway to trace those involved. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Rajdeep Ray of Korukonda area and several others had hidden the ganja with plans to smuggle it to other states. The suspects reportedly fled the spot on seeing the police.

Confirming the seizure, Additional SP Rashmi Ranjan Senapati said in a press note that a detailed probe has been launched to identify and apprehend the accused linked to the smuggling network.