The district police seized about 1,373 kg ganja, while it was being transported through Kujabangi Junction under Munchingputtu mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, late on Monday night.

According to Munchingputtu Sub-Inspector P. Nani, acting on credible intelligence, the police intercepted a vehicle during a special vehicle-checking operation. Upon inspection, they found 1,373 kg of ganja concealed inside the vehicle and arrested a 32-year-old man from Koraput district in Odisha.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the ganja had allegedly been procured from Malkangiri district in Odisha and transported to Koraput before being allegedly smuggled through an inter-State network to supply to the northern States .

Police estimate the value of the seized ganja to be around ₹6.83 lakh in Odisha. However, its market value in the northern States could be as high as ₹1.3 crore.

Additionally, police suspect the involvement of at least eight more persons in the smuggling operation. A case has been registered and further investigation is on.