Bhubaneswar, Feb 4: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 20 sacks of marijuana worth around Rs 1 crore from an SUV at Bharda Chowk near Kaptipada Nuasahi village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday night. Five persons were detained in connection with the seizure, while two others managed to flee, triggering a search operation.

According to sources, the seizure was made following a specific intelligence input. Acting on the tip-off, an NCB special squad kept close surveillance on the suspected vehicle and intercepted it while it was passing through Bharda Chowk. During a thorough search of the SUV, officials recovered a large quantity of marijuana cleverly concealed at the bottom of the vehicle. The contraband had been covered with sacks of cabbage to avoid detection during routine checks.

The SUV used for transporting the narcotics was immediately seized. Preliminary investigation revealed that the marijuana consignment was being transported from Keonjhar district to Baripada via the Kaptipada route. Officials suspect the involvement of an organised network engaged in large-scale drug trafficking.

The NCB has launched a manhunt to trace the two absconding accused and is probing possible interstate links. Further investigation is underway to identify the source and intended destination of the seized contraband.

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