Excise Officials Seize ‘Bhang’ & Ganja Meant For Holi Celebration Near Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Excise officials have seized over 500 kg of ‘bhang’ and 25 kg of ganja in separate cases from outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

According to sources, the Excise department received reliable information that a large amount of ‘bhang’ (cannabis leaves) was stoked in Bahukhanda village under Balipatna police limits. The contraband was supposed to be supplied to Bhubaneswar on eve of upcoming Holi celebration in the city.

A team of Excise officials carried out a raid on Bahukhanda and seized 520 kg of bhang from the village. They also arrested 3 persons in this regard, the sources said.

In another case, while the Excise team was patrolling near Sai temple in the area, they got information about a man carrying ganja on his bike. They intercepted him and seized 25 kg of ganja from his possession. He had procured the ganja from Kandhamal to sell those in Bhubaneswar.

“The man, who was nabbed with the ganja is a habituated offender. He was arrested for transporting ganja in a new car six months back and forwarded to court. He had come out of jail on bail 15 days back. He was again smuggling ganja in a new bike,” said an Excise official.