AMRAVATI, Oct 31 : Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly smuggling ganja from Odisha into Maharashtra and seized over 104 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 26 lakh, from a vehicle with concealed compartments, police officials said today.
According to police officials, the operation was carried out by a team of the Local Crime Branch (LCB). Acting on a tip-off, the team set up a checkpoint under the Mozari Dastekdi Flyover on the Nagpur-Amravati highway and intercepted a silver Bolero vehicle with no registration number.
The arrested have been identified as Ravi Ramarav Rathod (36), a resident of Bhivapur (Kuha) village in Tivsa taluka, and Akash Gautam Bhadke (32), a resident of Wai in Nandgaon Khandeshwar taluka.
During inspection, police found two number plates (MH-17 AJ 2283 and CG-10 AB 2849) and several secret compartments built into the vehicle’s structure.
A detailed search revealed 53 khaki-taped packets containing 104.879 kilograms of ganja concealed in hidden chambers under the vehicle, near the tail-lights, and below the doors.
The contraband, valued at Rs 20.66 lakh, along with the vehicle, has been seized.
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Tivsa Police Station and further investigation is underway.
District Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand has directed strict action against those involved in narcotics smuggling and consumption in the district.
(UNI)
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