Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Khordha Industrial Estate Police on Monday arrested two alleged drug peddlers and seized 320 grams of brown sugar valued at approximately Rs 32 lakh. The contraband was recovered from their exclusive possession near Duari Temple in Tangiapada village of Khordha district.
According to an official press release, credible intelligence was received at around 10.35 am indicating that a drug deal was set to take place involving a suspect from Bhaliabadi (Suspect 1) and another from Gurujanga Dwarika Nagar (Suspect 2).
The two were reportedly planning to meet near Duari Temple after one of them visited the residence of a third person (Suspect 3) in Bhaliabadi village.
Acting swiftly on the input, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sunita Behera arrested Suspect 1 and Suspect 2 at the location. The third accused is currently absconding and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Khordha Police has made notable progress under its ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Project Sampark.’
“Project Sampark is a two-pronged initiative of the Khordha police, including youth engagement and law enforcement against illicit drug trafficking, with a special focus on brown sugar (heroin),” the press release stated.
Over the past three months, ANTF has arrested 30 drug dealers — including 26 males and 4 females — and seized narcotics worth approximately Rs 82 lakh. The crackdown includes:
- 15 NDPS Cases registered (5 each in May, June, and July)
- 781.2 grams of Brown Sugar seized, valued at Rs 78,17,200 approx.
- 37.8 kg of Ganja confiscated, worth Rs 3,78,000 approx.
- Seizure of 10 mobile phones and 12 two-wheelers (10 motorcycles and 2 scooters)
