The seizure was made near Putka Chowk on National Highway 53 under the jurisdiction of Saraipali after authorities received intelligence about a silver Bolero transporting contraband from a nearby village. Acting on the tip-off, officers set up a checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle as it approached the location.

During questioning, the occupants identified themselves as Umesh Gore, 23, from Pune; Vishal Bhau, 21, from Aurangabad; Mohammad Habib, 45, from Chhote Temri in Mahasamund; and Jehru Kuldeep, 76, from Putka village. A search of the vehicle revealed plastic sacks concealed on the rear seat containing the illegal substance.

Police said the accused were transporting the cannabis to Maharashtra for distribution. Along with the contraband, officers confiscated four mobile phones and the vehicle used in the operation.

Authorities stated that the arrests were part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking in the district, with teams conducting intensified vehicle inspections along key routes to curb illegal narcotics trade. The suspects were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.

Officials added that efforts are under way to trace the supply network and identify others involved in the smuggling chain. Investigators are analysing call records and digital evidence from the seized phones to map possible links with interstate trafficking groups.