Bhubaneswar, October 30: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Bhubaneswar Zonal Unit, has apprehended one drug trafficker and seized 171 kgs of ganja from his possession at Karanjia of Mayurbhanj district on Wednesday, said an official release on Thursday.

The ganja was being trafficked in a Tata Curvv vehicle.

“When intercepted, the vehicle broke through the barriers set up by the NCB team and attempted to flee. A high-speed chase ensued for about 40–50 kilometers under incessant rain, leading into the Karanjia forest region. The accused subsequently abandoned the vehicles inside the jungle and attempted to escape on foot,” said a NCB Bhubaneswar unit communique.

“However, the NCB team, demonstrating exceptional courage and determination, pursued them for about 500 meters into the forest and successfully apprehended one accused along with the vehicle loaded with 171 kg of Ganja. Further investigation is underway to trace the other cartel members to unravel the entire network involved in this trafficking operation,” it stated.

It said, “The preventive operation underscores NCB’s commitment to dismantling organized drug trafficking networks operating across State boundaries. To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933. The identity of the informer is kept confidential.”