Bidar, 30 Nov

Bidar district police seized 650kg of ganja worth Rs 6.50 crore and a Tata goods vehicle valued at Rs 8 lakh on National Highway-65 near Rajeshwar village in a late-night operation, officials said. Two men were arrested while transporting the contraband from Hyderabad to Solapur, late Saturday.

A special team was formed under Basavakalyan sub-division DySP Madoleppa after credible intelligence indicated a large shipment was moving from Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra. Police laid a trap at the checkpost near Humnabad on National Highway-50 (Hyderabad–Mumbai highway).

When the lorry was stopped, the accused claimed it was carrying eggs. A thorough inspection, however, uncovered 6quintals and 60kg of ganja hidden in specially designed compartments between egg cartons to mask the smell.

The haul, with an estimated international market value of around Rs 6.50 crore, was reportedly destined for cities including Mumbai and Pune. Officers said the seizure dealt a major blow to a ganja-smuggling network operating in the district.

The driver and cleaner, both residents of Bidar, were arrested; their mobile phones and the vehicle were seized. Police suspect the two may have been previously involved in similar consignments.

The operation was conducted by Basavakalyan Rural police personnel under DySP Madoleppa’s supervision. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at Basavakalyan Rural police station and investigations are ongoing to identify further links.