Jharsuguda, June 27: A major ganja smuggling attempt was foiled after an Ertiga car carrying a large quantity of cannabis crashed into a road divider while trying to evade police on the Sambalpur–Jharsuguda Biju Expressway on Saturday.

According to police, the incident occurred near Kherual under Badmal police limits during an early morning patrol. Police noticed a suspicious Ertiga car and signalled the driver to stop for checking. However, the driver attempted to flee at high speed instead of stopping.

While trying to escape, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rammed into the road divider and came to a halt. Police immediately reached the spot and searched the vehicle, recovering a huge quantity of ganja packets concealed inside the car.

Police said two persons were involved in the smuggling operation. Following the accident, one of the accused managed to escape from the scene, while the other was apprehended by the police.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment was being transported from Odisha's Boudh district to Raigarh in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

A case has been registered, and police have launched a search to trace the absconding accused. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the illegal drug trafficking network.