Angul: In a major crackdown ahead of the festive season, the Excise Department in Talcher, Angul district, seized 104 grams of brown sugar and arrested two peddlers involved in the illegal trade.
Acting on a tip-off, the Excise team laid ambushes at two different locations. During the operation, officials intercepted Debananda Dehuri of Parabil under Samal police limits and seized 67 grams of brown sugar from his possession while he was transporting the contraband on a motorcycle.
In a separate raid, Tapas Kumar Pradhan was caught on Kandhal Road with 37 grams of brown sugar as he attempted to sell it.
In total, the department recovered 104 grams of brown sugar, two motorcycles, ₹5,000 in cash, and two mobile phones. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth around ₹10.4 lakh.
Both accused were produced in court following their arrest. Officials confirmed that the crackdown comes as part of intensified action against drug peddling in the district ahead of the festive period.
