Bhanjanagar: In a major crackdown on narcotics, Bhanjanagar police in Ganjam district seized 31.4 grams of brown sugar worth over ₹3 lakh and arrested three persons involved in illegal drug trafficking.
The raid was carried out on Thursday, at Jampalli Chowk on the outskirts of Bhanjanagar, following a tip-off about drug activities in the area, Additional Superintendent of Police Ranjana Kumar Dey informed at a press conference on Friday.
The accused were identified as Rakesh Kumar Behera of Odagaon (Nayagarh district), Amiya Ranjana Mahanti of Bhanjanagar, and Amit Kumar Behera of Baunshalundi.
Police also recovered ₹2,100 in cash and two mobile phones from their possession. The seized contraband was weighed in the presence of Magistrate and Tehsildar Abinash Maharana.
The operation was led by Bhanjanagar IIC Jibananda Jena under the supervision of SDPO Deepak Kumar Mishra.
A case has been registered under Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act, and the accused were produced before court on August 22.
Addl. SP Dey said further investigation is underway to trace others linked to the trafficking network.
Police noted that brown sugar smuggling has emerged as a growing threat in Bhanjanagar, with drugs reportedly entering from other districts and states. Police said the trade has already pushed many youths into addiction, derailing their education and futures.
Acting on instructions from Ganjam SP Shubhendu Kumar Patra, police have intensified surveillance and operations to curb the menace.
