CHENNAI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 742 kilograms of ganja at Vadipatti in Madurai on Wednesday.
Acting on intelligence, NCB officers intercepted a truck carrying what appeared to be potatoes in jute bags. However, when they searched the vehicle, the officers found the massive quantity of ganja concealed inside.
Two people, identified as Ramar of Thoothukudi and Pornachandar of Andhra Pradesh, were arrested in this connection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the contraband was sourced from Berhampur in Odisha and was in transit for delivery outside India, with its final destination being Sri Lanka.
"The apprehended persons are part of a larger organised syndicate with inter-State and trans-national reach," said an 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."
Further investigations are under way to identify and apprehend other key members of the syndicate, including its main operators and the intended overseas receivers.
People can share tip-offs on drug trafficking by calling the NCB's toll-free helpline, 1933. The identity of informants will be kept secret.