CHENNAI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 742 kilograms of Ganja (cannabis) at Vadipatti, Madurai on Wednesday.

Acting on intelligence NCB officials intercepted an Eicher truck carrying what appeared to be a consignment of potatoes in jute bags. A thorough search revealed the massive quantity of Ganja expertly concealed within the agricultural produce.

Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the seizure. Preliminary investigations by the NCB indicate that the contraband was sourced from Brahmapur, Odisha, and was in transit for delivery outside India, with its final destination being Sri Lanka.

"The apprehended persons are part of a larger organized syndicate with inter-state and trans-national reach," stated an NCB official. "The network has established backward linkages in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and forward linkages extending up to Sri Lanka. This was a well-planned attempt to camouflage narcotics within legitimate cargo to evade detection."

The modus operandi highlights the sophisticated methods employed by trafficking rings. The NCB has confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other key members of the syndicate, including its main operators and the intended overseas receivers.

Citizens can confidentially share information related to drug trafficking by calling the NCB's toll-free helpline, MANAS, at 1933. The identity of informants will be kept secret.