Madurai, Jan 17: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized a massive 742 kilograms of ganja concealed in a truck at Vadipatti, Madurai, in one of the largest drug busts in the region this year. The contraband was reportedly destined for Sri Lanka, police said.Acting on a tip-off from intelligence sources, NCB officials intercepted an Eicher truck whose cargo — deceptively packed in jute bags and presented as potatoes — raised suspicions during a routine check. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered the large quantity of ganja expertly hidden among the agricultural produce.
Two suspects were arrested at the scene: Ramar, a resident of Thoothukudi, and Pornachandar from Andhra Pradesh. Initial investigations indicate that the narcotics were sourced from Berhampur in Odisha and were being smuggled across state lines before being exported to Sri Lanka. Officials described the operation as part of a well-organised syndicate with interstate and transnational links, with connections extending from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to overseas recipients.
NCB officials said further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other key members of the network, including the main organisers and the intended foreign buyers. They also urged citizens to report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking through the NCB’s toll-free helpline at 1933, assuring that informants’ identities will remain confidential.
This major seizure follows several other large ganja busts in Tamil Nadu and nearby regions in recent months, highlighting continued efforts by law enforcement to counter drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond state borders.