Phulbani: In an unusual case of smuggling, two inter-state ganja traffickers allegedly used a vehicle carrying Kanwariyas to transport the contraband in Odisha's Kandhamal district.

Acting on a tip-off, Phulbani Sadar police intercepted a van near Barapada and seized 60 kg of ganja from it. Two men from Uttar Pradesh were arrested in connection with the seizure.

The accused have been identified as Mohammad Arbaz Khan of Barabanki district and Karamat Ali of Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh.

According to police, the accused were travelling in the vehicle along with Kanwariyas who were on their way to offer water to Lord Shiva. The traffickers allegedly took advantage of the religious pilgrimage to conceal the transportation of ganja.

Following the receipt of confidential information, a special police team launched an operation. The team intercepted the vehicle near Barapada and conducted a search, during which 60 kg of ganja was found.

Police seized the contraband along with the vehicle and arrested the two accused.

An investigation is underway to identify other persons involved in the alleged smuggling network.