Berhampur, Dec 8: In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the RPF/CIB Khurda on Monday seized a large quantity of ganja concealed inside cricket bats and backpacks at Berhampur Railway Station. Two alleged traffickers from Murshidabad district in West Bengal were arrested during the operation.

According to officials, the suspects were intercepted after they were seen carrying unusually heavy backpacks and plastic cricket bats. A detailed search was conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses. During the inspection, police recovered 17.5 kg of ganja cleverly hidden in 23 backpacks and 10 cricket bats.

All legal protocols were followed before the contraband was seized. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Samples of the seized substance have been sent for chemical analysis.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to trace the source of the smuggled drug, the network behind it, and the intended recipients.

Officials added that the successful operation highlights the GRP’s commitment to curbing narcotics smuggling along railway routes and ensuring safe travel for passengers.