In a shocking turn of events, a road accident in Sundargarh district has exposed a large-scale cannabis smuggling operation after police recovered a massive quantity of contraband from a crashed vehicle.

The incident took place on the Biju Expressway near Tudalaga village under the Badagaon police station limits. A Duster SUV reportedly collided with a motorcycle, injuring both the rider and the pillion passenger, senior officials said Saturday.

According to reports, the driver of the SUV and another occupant abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene before police arrived.

When Badagaon police reached the spot, they seized the accident-hit vehicle and brought it to the police station for investigation. Later, in the presence of a magistrate, officials conducted a thorough search of the vehicle.

To their shock, police discovered multiple packets of cannabis (ganja) hidden inside the SUV. More than 70 packets of ganja were recovered from the vehicle, indicating a large-scale smuggling attempt.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the vehicle was allegedly being used for illegal transportation of cannabis when the accident occurred, leading to the exposure of the racket.

Police have initiated a detailed probe to determine the origin and destination of the contraband and to identify those involved in the smuggling network. Efforts are also underway to trace and arrest the absconding accused.

Also Read: Police nexus with ganja mafia in Odisha’s Bargarh triggers action and suspensions

The incident has once again highlighted the use of highways in Odisha for drug trafficking and the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing such illegal activities.