Dehri/Patna: Police in Dehri have seized a large consignment of cannabis allegedly worth around Rs 2.5 crore in the international market, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in Bihar’s ongoing crackdown on narcotics smuggling.
The seizure was made after police received a tip-off that a white pickup van carrying jackfruits was travelling from Odisha towards Dehri with a concealed consignment of ganja hidden beneath the cargo.
Following the intelligence input, a special team was formed under the supervision of ASP Atulesh Jha.
Cannabis Hidden Beneath Jackfruits
Police launched a vehicle checking operation on the GT Road at Pali Morh, under the jurisdiction of the Dehri Nagar police station.
During the inspection drive, officers intercepted a suspicious pickup van loaded with jackfruits and covered with a tarpaulin.
According to police, a detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 500 kilograms of cannabis concealed beneath the fruit cargo.
Officials said the smugglers had attempted to disguise the narcotics shipment in order to evade police checks.
Driver Arrested, Network Under Investigation
Police arrested the driver of the vehicle, identified as Satyendra Kumar, from the spot.
ASP Atulesh Jha said the accused had disclosed the names of several individuals allegedly connected to the smuggling network during interrogation.
“Further action will be taken based on the evidence gathered during the investigation,” the officer said.
According to police sources, the consignment was allegedly being transported from Odisha to Mohania through Jharkhand and Aurangabad.
Investigators are now attempting to identify the alleged receivers and smugglers based in Mohania who may be linked to the operation.
Police said further action would also be coordinated with authorities in Kaimur as the investigation progresses.
