The Alluri Sitharama Raju district police fired two rounds in the air, after a group of ganja smugglers allegedly attempted to attack personnel with stones, during a vehicle checking operation at Meduru village near Ramaraopalem under the Annavaram police station limits in the district on Wednesday (June 10, 2026).

According to police sources, the incident occurred when police were conducting routine vehicle inspections in the area. The suspects, who were allegedly transporting ganja from neighbouring Odisha, were intercepted during the checks.

When the police attempted to stop and inspect the vehicles, the smugglers reportedly tried to attack the personnel on duty, in their attempt to flee. In an effort to bring the situation under control and prevent harm to the officers, the police resorted to firing two warning shots into the air.

The suspects then attempted to flee the spot, prompting police teams to launch a chase. Subsequently, four of the smugglers were caught.

The police are conducting an inquiry to ascertain the quantity of ganja being transported and the identity of the smugglers. Efforts are on to trace the source and destination of the contraband.