Kannur, September 27: The Excise Department in Kerala’s Kannur district has arrested a West Bengal resident on allegations of interstate ganja smuggling. Around 17 kilograms of ganja was recovered from the accused. According to officials, the accused had allegedly travelled to Kerala carrying ganja from Odisha.

The Excise Department said the arrested man has been identified as Dashrath Mandal. He is reportedly a resident of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. According to department officials, the accused was caught on Saturday while allegedly travelling to Kerala with 17 kilograms of ganja from Odisha.

Authorities had increased surveillance after receiving information about ganja smuggling. Following the information, an Excise Department team took action and apprehended the accused. Ganja was recovered during a search and the seized substance was taken into custody.

During the preliminary investigation, officials suspect that the recovered ganja may be part of an interstate smuggling network. Investigating agencies are now trying to determine where the ganja was sourced from and to whom it was allegedly intended to be delivered in Kerala. Efforts are also underway to gather information about other people linked to the alleged smuggling operation based on questioning of the accused.

The Excise Department has initiated action under the relevant provisions of law. Officials said continuous surveillance and investigation campaigns are being conducted across the state to curb drug trafficking.

The accused has been arrested and further legal proceedings have begun. The investigation is currently underway, and further details related to the alleged smuggling operation are expected to emerge after the probe.