In a big haul of ganja, police arrested seven persons, including four from Tamil Nadu, and seized contraband worth Rs.50 lakh near Narsipatnam in the district.
The ganja was carried by labourers employed for the purpose from the interior areas of Odisha to the borders of Andhra Pradesh. It was brought to a connecting road from where it would be transported.
However, a Task Force led by Narsipatnam rural inspector P.R. Rajendra Kumar noticed a pilot motorcycle party of the ganja smugglers.
Usually, if it is not stopped, it is a signal for the others to transport the ganja. But the motorcyclists sensed the police presence and the latter acted swiftly arresting the seven persons at Madduvari Pakalu near Nellimetta village. The leader of the gang Chandran was among the four arrested persons from Tamil Nadu. The other three arrested were from Butchempeta and BB Patnam in Rolugutna mandal. However, another 15 persons, including 12 from Tamil Nadu, managed to escape.