Jayapur: Jayapur Police have seized 403.1 grams of brown sugar and arrested six persons in a major crackdown on drug trafficking near Canal Road, police said on Sunday.
The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth around ₹40-45 lakh in the illegal market, according to police.
Acting on a tip-off during night patrolling on October 3, police reached Canal Road and launched a search operation. Two suspected drug consumers were initially found at the spot, following which a white Maruti Suzuki Dzire arrived there.
Police said seven persons were present at the spot, of whom six were apprehended while one managed to escape.
During a search of the accused and the vehicle in accordance with NDPS provisions, police recovered 3,700 pouches of brown sugar and 11 packets containing 10 grams each from the car. A total of 403.1 grams of the contraband was seized.
Police also recovered 100 pouches from Ramu, identified as a receiver from Jeypore, while around 110 grams of brown sugar was allegedly seized from a youth identified as Ali of Khordha, who had arrived in the car.
Besides the narcotics, police seized the car, ₹20,000 in cash, eight mobile phones and two sharp weapons found in the vehicle’s boot.
Of the six arrested persons, two are from Koraput, three from Nayagada and one from Khordha. Police said several of the accused have previous cases registered against them under the NDPS Act.
The arrests were made as part of the intensified anti-drug drive being carried out under the directions of the Odisha DGP and as part of the ‘Nisha Mukta Odisha’ campaign.
Police, during a press conference, reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and said strict action against those involved in the illegal trade would continue.
