The arrested persons have been identified as Sabita Digal (30), Mamata Digal (35) and Surath Behera (45). Behera is a driver of a pick-up van.
Acting on a tip-off, the Excise officials intercepted a pick-up van bearing Regd No: OD 02 BM 6376 on NH-16 near Tamando in the city in the wee hours of today.
During the search, the officials seized over 50 kg of ganja from the vehicle.
The women and driver were arrested as they failed to show any authentic documents for carrying the ganja weighing around 50kg along with them, an official said.
The estimated cost of the seized ganja will be around Rs 5 lakh, police sources said.
It is learnt that the women procured the ganja from Kandhamal district, he added.
“A case has been registered under NDPS Act and the accused persons will be forwarded to the court later in the day. Further investigation is underway,” said the police official.
