VISAKHAPATNAM: The Anakapalli Rural Police have detained three suspects and captured 600 kg of ganja estimated to be worth around ₹3 crore at Sampathipuram Junction, as reported on Thursday. The illegal shipment was purportedly making its way from Odisha through Anakapalli en route to Tuni.

The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Sheikh Mastan Vali from Dharmajigudem in West Godavari district, along with Sheikh Madina and Pangi Ratnalu from Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Authorities also confiscated a van used to transport the ganja, as well as a Honda Civic that served as a pilot vehicle during the operation.

According to the police, A-3, who resides in Narsipatnam, had previously met Sheikh Mastan Vali while both were incarcerated at Visakhapatnam Central Jail on separate ganja-related charges.

A-3 is alleged to have struck a deal with A-2, who hails from Malkangiri district in Odisha, to acquire 600 kg of ganja and deliver it to a location near Tuni for a fee of ₹3 lakh, in addition to the cost of the drugs.