Patna, May 28 (IANS) In a major anti-narcotics operation in Rohtas district, district police seized nearly 500 kilograms of cannabis concealed beneath a load of jackfruits in a pickup van on Thursday.

The recovered narcotics are estimated to be worth around Rs 2.5 crore in the international market.

The operation was carried out by the police in Dehri after they received confidential intelligence regarding a white pickup vehicle transporting a large consignment of cannabis from Odisha towards Dehri.

Acting on the tip-off, a special police team was formed under the leadership of ASP Atulesh Jha.

Police launched an intensive vehicle-checking operation on the GT Road near Pali Morh, under the jurisdiction of the Dehri Nagar Police Station.

During the inspection drive, officers intercepted a suspicious pickup van loaded with jackfruits and covered with a tarpaulin in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.

Upon conducting a detailed search of the vehicle, the police discovered approximately 500 kilograms of cannabis hidden underneath the jackfruit cargo.

Officials stated that the smugglers had used the fruit consignment as a cover to transport the narcotics unnoticed across state borders.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Satyendra Kumar, was arrested on the spot.

During interrogation, he disclosed the names of several individuals allegedly connected to the smuggling network.

Based on his statements, police have initiated a broader investigation to trace the entire supply chain and identify all those involved.

According to police sources, the accused informed investigators that the cannabis consignment was being transported from Odisha to Mohania through routes passing via Jharkhand and Aurangabad.

Authorities are now working to identify the smugglers operating in Mohania and are coordinating with the police in Kaimur district for further action.

ASP Atulesh Jha stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests and legal proceedings will follow based on the evidence collected during the probe.

An FIR has been registered under the NDPS Act at Dehri Nagar Police Station.

–IANS

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