Five held for smuggling ganja worth ₹2 lakh in Erode

Five persons were arrested adjacent Bhavani for smuggling 31.2 kg of ganja, valued astatine astir ₹2 lakh, present connected Tuesday nighttime (January 20, 2026).

Acting connected a tip-off, Inspector Kavitha of the Excise Department, on with implicit 10 excise personnel, stopped a lorry adjacent the Lower Bhavani Project canal. The vehicle, carrying beverage pulverization arsenic cover, was recovered to beryllium transporting ganja. When constabulary attempted to inspect it, 5 men jumped disconnected and tried to fly but were promptly apprehended. Investigation revealed that each 5 were habitual offenders from Madurai, Dindigul, and Virudhunagar districts, with aggregate pending cases. The arrested were identified arsenic Bodhiraj (28), Prasanna Kumar (37), Rajkumar (32), Thangapandian (49), and Vinayagam (54).

The lorry and beverage pulverization were seized. Police are investigating the root and intended destination of the consignment.